A STROKE survivor from Bishopton is backing a push to get more funding for research into prevention after being left disabled.

Charlie Ross, 61, suffered two strokes in a matter of days in 2010 and has since been unable to use his right arm and finds walking difficult.

First he experienced a transient ischaemic attack, better known as a mini-stroke, which hit as he was trying to get into the shower.

Charlie was discharged from hospital that afternoon but suffered a full-blown stroke the next day.

The dad-of-two and grandad-of-one was told his stroke was caused by plaque which had built up behind his knee and led to a blockage, cutting off the blood supply to his brain.

He was also told this could have been caused by his high blood pressure or cholesterol, which are both controllable.

A new report by the Stroke Association has revealed more than 110,000 people could be saved from the experience by 2035 if research into the latest prevention procedures was properly funded.

Mr Ross is keen for others to avoid the distress he has been through.

He told The Gazette: “I ended up in hospital for about 20 days. I had to learn to walk again and one of my arms was completely useless.

“I can walk now but it’s very laboured and I can’t use my arm at all.

“It was such a shock. I suddenly couldn’t do things I could before. I can’t go out with the dog any more and I’m missing out on things I’d like to be able to do with my grandson.

“I am behind getting more funding for research because having a stroke is life-changing and so many people are left disabled.

“I’d like to see less people end up like that because that costs money for them and puts pressure on the NHS. I have to take lots of medication.”

The Stroke Association estimates there are more than 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK.

The charity’s new campaign – Change The Story – calls on people to donate towards research funding.

People can do this by visiting the website at www.stroke.org.uk/change.