I just learned about this 2025 BBC show last night, and thought this you might be interested. Note she had a sister incident (AVM) instead of a true aneurysm. That being said, since AVMs are so similar to us, I thought you might be interested.
Those with BBC access are lucky as it appears to be on the iPlayer.
Those elsewhere, you may be in luck! I have seen references to it appearing in select locations, so keep your eyes peeled, as maybe it will come to a theater near you. Of course, I have not seen it yet myself (yet), so I can’t give you any heads-up at this time.
As the article ends in the first link, quoting her referring to ordinary life: “What a miracle that is.” So true!
Clemency Burton-Hill’s experience in the programme is very much about the time and frustration of an incomplete recovery. She is a radio presenter, former concert violinist and author: will she regain the amazing dexterity required to play the violin again?
The programme doesn’t answer the question, though we can guess.
I did find a link which may work in certain US states
I found a separate programme about a man called Richard Gray who has a catastrophic stroke aged in his fifties perhaps. His wife Fiona is a documentary filmmaker and took to her camera during his recovery, probably as part of her coping mechanism.
This film is about recovery from stroke and, to my eyes, seems more positive. At least, i was amazed and encouraged by Richard’s recovery from a very poor position.
This is definitely on multiple platforms, so may well be accessible in the US, though I am unsure if all of the recordings are bona fide posts. The following link is on AVMsurvivors, so don’t be surprised that you can’t reply to the posts:
Nice, thanks for the link! That was one I hadn’t checked out, so good to know that there are some options. I am definitely mulling it over as you know I want it to be a positive experience.
Speaking of that, I did just finish Dr. Doige’s second book I referenced the other week: The Brain’s Way of Healing. As I neared the end, he made the passing comment was that the book was being filmed as a movie! So, if you didn’t want to read the book, you can watch the video instead. It is nice to see video of these people I read about. Amazing what neuroplasticity can do!!
Unfortunately I can’t get it here in NC. I looked on Prime, Acorn and even PBS Mysteries which I didn’t think it would be there. Hopefully those folks in the States it’s available can see it. Definitely will keep an eye out to see if Prime will put it up!
I don’t think it matters what the underlying cause is. Sometimes at the point that we’ve had a stroke, it’s useful to see (good) examples of recovery as encouragement about what might lie ahead. It’s hard to believe in recovery at the point at which it has all broken, whether for a patient or their loved ones.
I do think the film about Richard is quite shocking to start with – before his cranioplasty – but clearly the cranioplasty fixes a bunch of things and really helps him to recover. It is such a useful and important film, it should be available everywhere (so long as the publishers get their royalties).
Wow! What a beautiful story - a beautiful story of resilience, strength, and - indeed - a beautiful love story between them! Richard, I totally agree that it is shocking to see him before his cranioplasty, but also just amazing what they did for him medically.
It makes me (once again) grateful for all those rehab folks who have helped us out. Very much the unsung heroes in our recovery journey. It was also a lovely surprise to see Dr. Merzenich in his cameo appearance! I literally was just mentioning him to my neurologist earlier this week, and here he was on screen. Love when things like that happen!
Thanks again for sharing, and keep 'em coming! Neuroplasticity is just amazing!
P.S. I did look on the studio’s website, but they only appear to have a preview. Will let you know if I stumble onto a full-version so that his wife gets the well-deserved royalties!
Look further down the linked conversation on AVMsurvivors. I have no idea if the posting later in the conversation is wholly legitimate but you can get to see the full film.
In the UK, we have a nationalised health service which means treatment that is free at the point of need (paid for through general taxation). This film is so important, I reckon it should be available on the NHS!
. Hopefully those folks in the States it’s available can see it. Definitely will keep an eye out to see if Prime will put it up!