A unique public exhibition showcasing remarkable outcomes from the ADAPT research study, featuring original artwork created by stroke survivor Mark Chappell.
The ADAPT study, led by Dr Jess Johansson, has spent the past year exploring how to reduce sedentary behaviour after stroke. Through innovative research methods, the team identified four distinct types of stroke survivors: determined, passive, fearful, and overwhelmed.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, concludes this August and will provide tailored recommendations for supporting different types of stroke survivors.
What makes this study particularly special is the involvement of Mark Chappell, a stroke survivor from Skipton who participated in the research. Mark’s engagement with the study led to the creation of his artworks for the project. Through the art, Mark shows what it feels like to have had a stroke and illustrates the journey of recovery. His work demonstrates to other stroke survivors that recovery is possible and that small steps, such as participating in research, can lead to transformative outcomes.
The exhibition runs from 12-22 August at Mind the Gap Studio, Lister Mills, Bradford, open to the public weekdays 10am-2pm.
Dr Jess Johansson highlights:
“ I love the energy in Mark’s drawings, the way he can bring such powerful messages to life in a way that really appeals to other people who have had a stroke is just brilliant. Working with Mark with the support from Caroline to produce all of this creativity has been a really wonderful addition to the ADAPT project, I am excited for the exhibition.”
Mark says:
“ It has been brilliant to be part of this research where people like me have been asked to be involved and researchers have been genuinely interested in what we have been saying. It is so easy to eventually disappear after your stroke. I have met so many people, and it is the same old story. You know your life has changed, so just seeing positive people being given the time and the space to communicate and an opportunity to be listened to is such a positive thing.”
”It has been really brilliant because we had 4 separate sessions where we have been asked to be involved and people have been genuinely interested in what we have been saying. It is so easy post stroke if you are lucky enough to survive to not eventually disappear. You know, your life changes. I have met so many people and it is the same old story. You know your life has changed, so just seeing positive people being given the time and the space to communicate and an opportunity to be listened to and just being in a position like that is such a positive thing.”