​Harrogate stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Harrogate resident and stroke survivor Charles Spencer, 64, is challenging people across Yorkshire to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use, from 26 October to 01 November 2015.

Charles had a stroke ten years ago, which left him with little speech and limited mobility.

Charles said: “I was a keen pianist before my stroke, but after my stroke I lost the use of my right side, meaning I could no longer play, or so I thought. I thought that chapter of my life was closed and loaned my grand piano to a local grammar school.”

Eight years after his stroke, he realised it was possible to learn to play the piano losing his left hand, and he had his piano returned home.

He said: “I didn’t know adapted music was even composed for left handed pianists. Like I had to learn to speak and read after my stroke, I had to re-learn how to read music. However, that skill soon returned, enabling me to play using only my left hand. My friends and family have commented that my speech has also improved since starting to play again.

“Being able to play the piano again, albeit with one-hand, has transformed my life. It’s given me a purpose and been a tremendous help in restoring a sense of self and self-worth, both of which were severely affected after my stroke. When you’re used to using two hands, you don’t give a second thought to what it’s like to have the use of only one.”

“By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”

Jo Beverley, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association,said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Charles to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.