A Stroke of Inspiration
with Shelagh Brennand
INSPIRE | MOTIVATE | EDUCATE
Motivational Speaker, Stroke Survivor and Advocate, Stroke Safe Ambassador, Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Year Finalist, and Author of A Stroke of Poetry
Shelagh Brennand was a busy wife and mother working as an independent Private Investigator after 25 years as a Police Officer, when she was struck down by a stroke at just 49 years of age (April 15, 2013). From this moment her whole life changed.
After her initial recovery from loss of speech, and lack of sensation through her right side, she discovered her thoughts could not be processed unless each sentence rhymed. She also navigated the slippery slope of depression that can follow a major traumatic event.
Shelagh found healing through poetry and a new love of running and shares her journey of overcoming depression and finding deeper meaning, with others. She continues to inspire and live a life filled with adventure and appreciation for all that it brings.
Through her stories, your audience will laugh, cry, be inspired and discover a new appreciation for what’s possible, regardless of circumstance.
Shelagh can speak on a range of topics to suit your audience, or create one specifically for your event.
Time Duration: From 20 minutes to 1-hour keynote or customised interactive workshop.
An Insider’s View of Stroke – The Good, The Bad and the Funny!
Shelagh exchanged her life of criminal investigation to one of being a Motivational Speaker and Stroke Safe Ambassador. Allow Shelagh, through her poetry and humour, to share with you, the sadness, frustrations and often amusing times of her recovery.
The Truth About Women and Stroke
Life is NEVER the same for anyone following a stroke, but as a wife and mother, Shelagh found her role difficult and supporting a growing teenager was one of many obstacles.
Finding Your Way on the Road to Recovery – Life After Stroke
Every stroke survivor needs support to move on with their life. Shelagh can share the ways she coped with no longer being the person she was, and those that helped her through this tough time of her life.
5 Steps to Living a Positive Lifestyle
Shelagh now lives by her five daily tips and by allowing her to share these with you, there is no doubt you will leave the room feeling motivated to face any challenge with positivity and a huge smile.
Running After Stroke – Getting Back Into The Race of Life
Still a ‘beginner’, but with three 10K runs to her name, and training for a mini triathlon in April 2018, Shelagh will share her journey as a non-runner pre stroke, to being competent athlete in the field of running.
“As stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers, we need more people like Shelagh to speak up as recovery from stroke is a long journey requiring courage and determination.
Andrea Sanders | Stroke Foundation | State Manager Queensland
Shelagh delivers an engaging presentation based on her personal stroke recovery that resonates with her audience. She was one of the highlights of our recent forum. The momentum of her presentation lifted the energy in the room and left our attendees with hope, positivity and an openness to both change and acceptance. With a genuine and sincere way of speaking from experience, she advocates for life after stroke, and shares the StrokeSafe message with commitment and passion. Shelagh has an amazing ability to connect with people with raw honesty, energy and humour, and always adds a smile to the events she attends.
Leah Pett |Stroke Foundation, Stroke Connect
“Shelagh’s vibrant personality provided an instant lift to the stroke forum, consisting of approximately 80 multidisciplinary health professionals, as she shared with us her story before and after stroke.”
(read Ian’s full account here)
Ian Meade | Occupational Therapist Acute Stroke Unit |Townsville Hospital
“What an engaging and informative experience that was for all the members. Shelagh shared her personal experience of her stroke and how it had affected her and the impact to her family and then went on to provide some very important messages in regards to what to look for when recognising that a loved one or friend may be in fact having a stroke. Her delivery was very engaging and at times humorous but the seriousness of her message was not lost. Shelagh is a very passionate woman and her ability to raise awareness and help others is a gift. We are looking forward to a return visit from this very special lady.”
Robyn Streiner | Assistant Secretary | Kawana Waters View Club
“Shelagh started her presentation with a captivating poem about her own experience as a stroke survivor. She went on to share a lot of useful facts and information about the two types of stroke, and simple steps anyone can take to respond FAST! Our club members were engaged throughout Shelagh’s presentation, and afterward as well, with the opportunity to have a chat and even buy Shelagh’s book, A Stroke of Poetry. Shelagh is a wonderful messenger for a very important message.”
Nicole Martin | Member, Rotary Club of Caloundra Pacific.
Shelagh has inspired hundreds of people in health, community, and business settings including:
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Shelagh is also a popular media presenter:
Speaker Bio Images (More available on request)
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- Shelagh Brennand and her son Patrick. | Photo Image by Lou O’Brien
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- Life is Worth Living | Shelagh Brennand
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- Shelagh Brennand Stroke Safe Ambassador
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- A Stroke of Poetry by Shelagh Brennand
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- Shelagh Brennand – Motivational Speaker
To engage Shelagh for your special event, you can forward an email here. She will get back to you as soon as possible.
