Content note: This episode includes frank discussion of suicide and suicidal feelings.

If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Support is available:

• Samaritans (UK & ROI): Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.
• Shout (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7 — giveusashout.org.
• NHS urgent help (UK): Call 111 or use your local NHS urgent mental health helpline — nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth.
• Emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

Outside the UK? Find local support via the International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres or Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org

In this moving episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell talks with Andy Ibbott about the people and moments that helped him rebuild life after a stroke. Andy reflects on the surgeons who saved him, the brutal early months with aphasia, the near-collapse of his mental health, and the slow, stubborn climb back, one short walk at a time. He shares the pivotal role of close friends like Rob and Chris, and the unforgettable London Marathon story that tested them all. Above all, Andy’s message is clear: others can help, but the decision to keep going must come from within.

Key Takeaways

Ten Days in ICU, Then the Long Road: After 10 days in intensive care and an early, too-ambitious trip to France, recovery faltered before it gathered momentum back in the UK.

Hitting Bottom and Choosing Life: As visits dwindled and isolation bit, Andy reached suicidal lows before reframing recovery as a series of small, winnable challenges, like walking to the end of the road and back.

Hard Truth for Loved Ones: Andy’s advice to families is compassionate but firm: support helps, but recovery ultimately depends on the person doing the work, processing advice and acting on it.

A Stark Warning: Andy says many survivors don’t make it through the first two years after stroke, stressing the urgency of honest conversation about mental health and suicide risk.

Best Moments

“They decided to cut… By cutting it, he will have a stroke… But it will come once he’s cut it.”

“They gave me a 5% chance to live… I came round the second day, up to 20%.”

“People were coming less and less… The spiral was going down… I nearly committed suicide.”

“Nobody can help you, only you. Others can support, but it’s down to you to get the result.”

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi. After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables. A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Nell catches up with Andy Ibbott as he talks about life after stroke through the lens of constant challenges, zip-lining in Wales, tackling Hadrian’s Wall, open-water swimming, and getting back on a motorbike. Andy reflects on his pre-stroke mindset from magazine test days and the California Superbike School, and how that same drive now fuels carefully adapted goals. He’s frank about the graft it takes, from a painful London-to-Paris ride not long after his stroke to relearning how his body behaves on a bike and the mental shift required to “deal with it” rather than wish it away. Beyond personal feats, Andy shares wins from his coaching of young riders and his growing speaking work. The thread running through it all: try it, adapt, and keep going.

Key Takeaways

Pushing limits, then and now: From 225mph test days and near-record runs to post-stroke adventures, the instinct to edge the limit remains, only now with deliberate adaptation.

Acceptance and adaptation: Early rides post-stroke exposed unexpected quirks (like drifting left); progress began when he decided he couldn’t change the stroke, only how he’d deal with it.

Coaching impact: Despite earlier worries about speech, Andy returned to trackside coaching, helping youngsters to championship titles and supporting riders across BSB and WorldSBK classes.

Speaking & books: His talks span stroke, motorbike craft, and elite riders; he’s also planning an updated edition of Performance Riding Techniques with fresh chapters.

Core message: Try it, pass or fail, because the act of trying moves you forward.

Best Moments

“Each challenge is… different for me with half a body… Hadrian’s Wall… won’t be as hard physically; mentally it will be.”

“London–Paris… like riding a push bike with a dummy leg… so painful… but I kept on going.”

“I didn’t accept it until probably five years down the line… then things became a challenge.”

“It helps me to help them”—on why coaching riders from six-year-olds to superbike classes still lights him up.

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.

After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.

A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell asks Andy Ibbott to walk us through an “average” day. From wrestling with a shower-over-bath on one good leg, to one-handed breakfasts, adapted driving and carefully managed training, Andy shares the micro-workarounds that make everyday life possible after stroke and aphasia. It’s a candid, practical look at fatigue, frustration and fierce determination.

Key Takeaways

Mornings start early and unpredictably: Andy often wakes at 1, 3 or 6 a.m., so he gets up and makes the day work rather than lying there frustrated.

Basic tasks are multi-step challenges: getting into a bath-shower on one functioning leg, drying by rubbing a towel against the wall, opening cartons one-handed, and even using his mouth to remove a new milk cap.

Driving is adapted and deliberate: a left-foot accelerator and brake, careful manoeuvring to shut the door one-handed, and switching off certain car settings every time.

Riding stays on track (not road): balance is tricky below ~5 mph, stopping requires a plan or help, and mounting/dismounting is the hardest part with a weak right leg.

Frustration is constant, mindset is key: he accepts tasks take longer, structures his day, and keeps pushing for the closest version of his pre-stroke self.

Best Moments

“Life is hard, but it’s even harder for a stroke survivor… throw aphasia in and it’s doubly hard.”

“I can’t switch off… it’s got to be something buzzing around in my half a brain.”

“There is no pattern to it whatsoever,” Andy says of his sleep.

“Yes, I’ve got half a body, but the stronger body has to make up for the weaker body.”

About Andy Ibbott

Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.

After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.

A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.

Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.