Get well wishes pour in for Earl

The couple, who are both ordained Ministers, and who a fortnight ago had celebrated their daughter’s wedding at St Augustine’s Church, where Pat is incumbent Rector, had separated on Prince’s Street in Edinburgh to enjoy shopping on Thursday, but when Earl failed to arrive at the designated meeting point on time, Pat knew something was up.

As news filtered through good wishes poured in from the couple’s many friends and colleagues. Within two hours of a posting on a social network site nearly 50 people had left get well messages and offers of support, which has touched the Storey family. They have also received numerous telephone calls and greeting cards wishing Earl a speedy recovery.

Recalling the moment she realised all was not well, Pat said: “I saw him on the street and saw the side of his face had drooped, and I knew instantly it was a stroke and I rang 999,” said Pat, who stressed that her husband had suffered a mild stroke and was expected to make a full recovery.

Taken to hospital, Earl was scanned and received medical treatment, and a friend of the family, who is a doctor, travelled with them after Earl was discharged and they returned home by boat and car.

“We went off on Saturday a week ago so this happened about five days in. We were supposed to be away for three weeks. Thankfully Earl has fairly good mobility, but he is extremely tired. He just wants to get back to work,” said Rev Storey.

The couple’s newly married daughter, Carolyn Smith, thanked everyone who offered messages of support and wished her father well.

“We just want to thank everybody for their kindness. People have been really good and kind and my parents really appreciate all the prayers and good wishes they have received,” she said.