Julian had a stroke while driving. His recovery at Westmead Hospital changed his life

In 2006, Julian Reddish was at a friend’s birthday party in Kenthurst in Sydney’s north-west. He was busy studying carpentry at TAFE and was about to start his apprenticeship.

He decided to go for a drive and while behind the wheel suffered a stroke.

He was only 17 at the time.

“I was at Westmead Hospital for just over six months,” Julian said.

“I don’t remember a large amount of my hospital visit, yet I was lucky to continuously improve. I would like to thank everyone from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and family. My hospital visit was really a large team effort. 

“I would rate the care that I received a ten out of ten. They really treated me and my family so well.

For Julian, this period marked a turning point in his life. He is now a counsellor and has written a book to compile all the tips and information he captured while on his recovery journey.

He credits the support of his family and medical team for the way he has managed to throw himself into pursuing new goals and share his experiences to help others.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend Westmead Hospital to everyone – especially if you have had a stroke. They have a neurology ward specifically for brain injury of every kind. My whole hospital visit was managed extremely professionally. 

“I had a vision many times to write a stroke recovery book since I came home from hospital. I deeply believe I received world class stroke recovery support and I have compiled everything that has worked well for me and turned it into an easy-to-read book.”