Campaign Ambassador - Nikki Evans

Name: Nikki Evans

Sports/Activities: Yoga

Locality: Dacorum

When I was 14, I was diagnosed with Cavernoma in my brain and at age 17 it started to bleed, causing me to have strokes. I had 6 strokes over a 10-year period and the last led to me having brain surgery, left sided weakness and 50% vision loss. However, with all of that it was somewhere that I discovered yoga. Initially it was a practice of the body but over the years I realised how powerful yoga was for the mind as well as my recovery. Yoga helped me to be accepting of my new circumstances around my disabilities and really helped me to live life again. 

Getting back to yoga after my big stroke and surgery though was a slow and scary process. Lots of gyms and studios are just not accessible. I found many had steps or were small and just not suitable. Once you overcame that barrier then came the teachers. Teacher after teacher had no clue what to do with me. They were unsure how to adapt poses for someone with one weak side. Some just ignored me completely and I felt awkward wobbling around in the back of classes. I did eventually get lucky and finally found one teacher who helped and guided me into poses and taught me not only how to adapt a pose but that it was ok to do so. She always said it takes strength to hold the pose and courage to come out of it. To this day I remind myself how courageous I am. 

Since 2020 I have now gone on to teach yoga to various charities. This includes supporting people with brain injuries as well as wheelchair users and the visually impaired. It is my strong belief that yoga does not discriminate and should be available to anyone who wants to try the practice. For anyone who is struggling to get moving again remember to stay courageous and to know that your practice is as unique as you are. It just has to feel amazing to you and it never has to look a certain way. So even if it feels difficult sometimes keep trying out new teachers, spaces and activities until you find the one that suits you best.