A County Durham has spoken candidly about the effects of his stroke and the heartbreak of potentially having to abandon his passion for the stage.

While enjoying a cruise with his wife, former stage performer Colin Lynch, 50, began to feel dizzy and disorientated, before collapsing and being helped by a fellow holidaymaker.

The 50-year-old from Chester-le-Street was left feeling so unwell and worried when his wife found him, all he could do was tell her that he loved her and their children.

After the incident, which occurred a day after his birthday, Mr Lynch discovered that he had suffered a stroke which has seriously affected his daily life.

Read more: Shildon Mini Market closed after council operation on illegal tobacco

The Northern Echo:

Speaking on the effect these events had on him, Mr Lynch said: "I was terrified and I thought I was going to die – when Lisa found me all I could think to do was to tell her to tell the kids I loved them.

"Unfortunately, I tested positive for Covid and I was taken to hospital in Hull and then to Bishop Auckland.

"I felt so isolated and alone as I had to be in a room on my own but the nurses and other NHS staff were amazing

"My job has always been my hobby and it’s also where I socialise the most too.

"I miss the banter and the energy. I was so confident, I used to bounce around the stage entertaining people but now the thought of getting back up there just freaks me out.”

While Colin has made a reasonably good physical recovery, unseen effects from the incident remain, such as anxiety, fatigue and a lack of confidence in getting back on stage.

Since the incident, he has also struggled to remain concentrated while reading.

Despite this, Colin has made huge strides to overcoming his fears and has even returned to some of his favourite hobbies.

He has begun playing poker with his friends again, and he and wife Lisa have even returned to taking holidays, while Colin has also planned his return to performing.

Since then, the Stroke Association and Buzz Bingo have conducted a survey regarding these types of situations and the effect they have.

According to the research, around 73 per cent of stroke survivors spend less or no time socialising with their families and friends since their stroke.

Adding to this, 83 per cent of stroke survivors spend less or no time on their hobbies, 79 per cent have given up their hobbies completely.

Over half of stroke survivors in the survey said they have lost their confidence since their stroke, while nearly a third have experienced changes to their personality

Around one in four struggle with their mental healthand have been left feeling isolated.

As a result, the Stroke Association have partnered with Buzz Bingo to encourage stroke survivors from all over the UK to come out and meet others by doing something fun and welcoming.

Speaking on his progress, Colin added: “I still worry about the future and I struggle with my emotions but I know I’m lucky to some.

"Anxiety and panic attacks have been a real problem but I’m trying to get back to singing on stage next year.

"When you have a stroke, your life is just stopped, so I’m trying to build up the courage to get going again.”

As a result of the initiative, radio legends Chris and Toby Tarrant hosted an exclusive Bingo event for stroke survivor on Tuesday (December 6), in Stratford, London.

Saul Heselden, Head of Corporate Partnerships Stroke Association, said: We are excited to announce our new partnership with Buzz Bingo which will help to raise vital funds for much-needed specialist support, research and campaigning and will go a long way in supporting more stroke survivors like Colin live the best possible life after a stroke.”

To find out more, visit here.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here