Sean wins National Courage Award

Owner of Hurst Castle Services, Sean Crane has been presented with a prestigious national award; the Adult Courage Award (65+) The award was made at The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in  London on the night of Wednesday 16th November 2016.

The award was in recognition of Sean’s passion and commitment in helping other stroke survivors in Milford on Sea following his own stroke in 2014.

As part of his recovery, Sean attended the Stroke Association communication support workshop at Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital. He went on to set up a group for other stroke survivors in Milford on Sea’s Community Centre, where they meet fortnightly and provide support for a number of people who struggle to find their words after a stroke.

He also organised a major fundraiser for the Stroke Association in May 2015, in which the Hurst Lighthouse was light up purple to mark the Stroke Association’s annual stroke awareness month.

Sean’s son Jason Crane said: “Dad’s stroke was a massive shock to all the family. From being such an active man to driving ferries and climbing lighthouses, Dad couldn’t move or speak.

“We were told by the consultant that the best we could hope for was moving him from bed to chair. But Sean being Sean, his resilience and passion we all know and love has given him the strength and courage to live with what has happened, but also given him the determination to help others and do things the consultant never thought possible.”

Two years on from his stroke, Sean can now drive himself around Milford on Sea village in an electric wheelchair, walk with the aid of a frame and has plans to be back on the ferries again next year, this time as a passenger.

The Stroke Associations Life After Strokes Awards (LASA) recognise the achievements of everyone affected by stroke and celebrate stroke survivors for showing spirit and determination.