Determined stroke survivor Cliff back on board to win national title

A STROKE survivor who once feared he'd never stand again has defied the odds to win a national para surfing title - just over a decade after a devastating brain injury changed his life.

- by LEWIS CLARKE

Cliff Lee was able to return to his childhood love of surfing thanks to an adapted surfboard

Cliff Lee, a graphic designer from Braunton, was 39 when a mountain biking accident triggered a severe stroke in August 2013. The injury left him unable to walk, talk, work or surf - a passion he had held since childhood.

More than 10 years on, Cliff has reclaimed his life and achieved a dream by winning his category at the English Para Surfing Open Championships at The Wave in Bristol after four years of intense training and rehabilitation.

Cliff's journey began with support from the Stroke Association and The Wave Project, along with his family and dedicated supporters.

Cliff said: “My life came to a complete halt after the stroke. I was feeling very low. I had been surfing since I was six but didn't know if I would be able to do it again because of my physical disabilities.

“However, I didn't let it stop me. I am so grateful to the Stroke Association which connected me to The Wave Project where I learnt how to do adaptive surfing.