Chartwell House Welcomes Stroke Survivor Sophie Dougherty
Chartwell House Care Home in Broadstairs is welcoming the local community back for its next Thanet Stroke Support Group session, on Tuesday 8th September. This session brings a particularly powerful voice to the table: Sophie Dougherty, a stroke survivor from Broadstairs, will share her own story of recovery with attendees.
A Regular Fixture for Local Stroke Survivors
The Thanet Stroke Support Group has become a familiar and valued date on the calendar at Chartwell House. Stroke survivors, their families, and members of the wider Thanet community gather in a relaxed setting for conversation, support, and a shared understanding of what recovery really looks like.
September’s session runs from 3:30pm to 5:00pm and is free to attend, with refreshments provided throughout.
Sophie’s Story
Sophie Dougherty was 28 when, in October 2019, a ruptured aneurysm caused a brain haemorrhage, a stroke, and a spinal cord infarction. She collapsed while out with her partner and young daughter. Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service reached her quickly, stabilised her, and got her to hospital, where she was then given a blue-light transfer to a specialist neurosurgical unit in London.
What followed was more than six months in hospital, including time in intensive care and a tracheostomy to help her breathe. At the time, doctors told her family she might never walk or talk again.
Six years on, Sophie has regained her speech and her mobility, and now volunteers her time for stroke charities, helping others understand what stroke recovery can look like. At the Thanet Stroke Support Group, she will speak about her experience directly, and about why she now dedicates herself to raising awareness of stroke, particularly the importance of recognising the signs early.
Know the Signs: BE FAST
Sophie is a strong advocate for the BE FAST acronym, a simple way to remember the warning signs of stroke and the need to act quickly:
- Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face: drooping on one side of the face
- Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech: slurred or garbled speech
- Time: time to call 999 immediately
Why Chartwell House Hosts This Group
Chartwell House has hosted the group through its various sessions, and Home Manager Diane sees it as a natural extension of what the home stands for.
“This group means so much to the people who come through our doors for it, and it means just as much to us. Chartwell House is about comfort, security, and genuine connection, and that doesn’t stop at our residents. Opening our doors to the Thanet Stroke Support Group lets us support stroke survivors and their families right here in Broadstairs, and hearing from someone like Sophie reminds everyone in the room what real resilience looks like.”
The session is open to stroke survivors, their families, Chartwell House residents, and anyone in the local community who wants to attend, whether they have a personal connection to stroke or simply want to learn more.
Practical Details
- Event: Thanet Stroke Support Group, featuring guest speaker Sophie Dougherty
- Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
- Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
- Venue: Chartwell House Care Home, 26 Draco Drive, Off Star Lane, Broadstairs, Kent, CT9 4FY
- Cost: Free, refreshments provided
- Contact: 01843 265 638
