updated: February 2026

Name of the Blog

Originally, I blogged as “Stroke Survivor”, since the purpose of the blog was to chart my recovery following a stroke in 2016. Day-to-day, I could see no improvement, so I found it useful to write things down, and the blog was born. For example, it might have taken me 15 minutes to walk to a certain place, a year later it might only take 10, and so on.

Over time, I have writen far more widely than just my health, and in May 2020, I became Mister Bump. I felt this still refers to my stroke (the “bump”), but in a more abstract sense.

My Anonymity

I’d prefer to remain anonymous. It’s not a big thing as it’s not a controversial blog, but I feel that allows me to write on the broadest range of subjects, with less fear of upsetting people. That said, if I am conversing with somebody I will often disclose my forename; it just seems like good manners.

I’m also aware that if I divulge my identity, it’s a one way street. There’s no going back to being anonymous. That also holds me back.

My Location

My nearest city is Salisbury, UK, and I live in a rural surroundings a way out. I guard my exact location for the same kind of reasons, also I want to remain friends with my neighbours!

If you’ve ever visited Stonehenge, I’m about 20 miles (35 km) away.

Me

I am divorced. My primary career was in IT, where I designed large systems mostly in the financial sector. The stroke occurred during a career break, when I worked as a bicycle mechanic. After the stroke, I eventually got back into work, but it was far more lowly than previous roles, and I struggled to fit in. When they were looking to make cuts, I was at the front of the queue. I’d maybe like to get involved with something else, but it must be a better fit. In the meantime, I write.

I have grown children who have long since fledged and who have their own lives, so my cat and I have the place to ourselves, now. My children did not agree to feature in this blog, so I protect their identities even more than I do my own.