updated: August 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 minutes, 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 particularly a controversial blog, but I feel anonymity 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.

My History

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. I began blogging in order to chart my recovery, and at the same time performed voluntary work and ramped up my knowledge in order to return to IT, something which finally happened in 2023. But the role was far more junior than previous roles, and I struggled to fit in. When they were looking to make cuts, I was at the front of the queue. Now, I write full-time.

I am divorced, and have grown adult children 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.