Bournemouth stroke survivor invites people to Give a Hand and Bake for the Stroke Association

Bournemouth stroke survivor and budding baker, Bill Lindsay, 54, is calling on local residents to roll up their sleeves, grab a mixing bowl and bake to raise vital funds for stroke survivors.

The Stroke Association’s fundraising initiative,Give a Hand and Bake, calls on people across the South West to host their own bake sale, all with the aim of raising some serious dough. The money raised will help fund world-leading research that will help to save lives and change the story for stroke survivors.

This year, thousands of people across the UK will be donning their aprons for Give a Hand and Bake Week, which runs from 23 to 29 October 2017.

Among them is Bill Lindsaywho had a stroke in 2011, which left him unable to talk or walk.

Bill said: “It took me a year to speak again, and another year to regain my ability to walk. I couldn’t believe how much the stroke had taken from me. I was determined to get better, and had fantastic care from the incredible occupational therapists at Bournemouth Hospital.

“I had never been into baking before my stroke, but whilst recovering I started watching cooking shows on TV and thought it would be a good distraction. I now can’t get enough of baking, I love it! I regularly bake, I find it so relaxing and rewarding.

“Last month I held a tea party at Poole Hospital for the stroke team to say a big thank you. I’ve made a bit of a reputation for myself in the hospital; they don’t let me off lightly when I turn up empty handed!”

Sarah Day, Area Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Across the UK, more than a million people like Bill are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By taking part in Give a Hand and Bake, you could help people who have been affected by stroke get their lives back on track.

“As a charity dependent upon funds, we’d love people in the South West to have some fun and bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues this autumn. It doesn’t matter if you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, join us and let’s get stuck in with Give a Hand and Bake.

“Whether you prefer to bake brownies for the office or host an afternoon tea party with friends and family, there are lots of ways you can bake up a storm and rise to fundraising success. The money raised will go a long way to funding innovative research into stroke care and treatment.”

Visit www.stroke.org/GAH to find out more about how you can get involved in Give a Hand and Bake, and help to change the story for stroke survivors.