Press release -
Local stroke survivor takes the lead
The Stowmarket Stroke Support Group has appointed a new Chairman, and for the first time, he is himself a stroke survivor. Alan Moore has been a member of the Stroke Association’s Voluntary Group, Stowmarket Stroke Support Group, since 2006 after he had a devastating stroke which left him unable to walk or talk.
Alan had a severe ‘bleed’ stroke – a brain haemorrhage – in 2005. After 3 months in West Suffolk Hospital, and 8 months in an out-patient rehab treatment in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket’s Icanho Clinic, Alan was referred to the Stowmarket Stroke Support Group, where he received further rehab support.
After joining the group in 2006, Alan received intense rehabilitation and support from the group which aided in his road to recovery. Becoming Chairman, Alan adds, “After my stroke I had to relearn how to live. I could not walk, speak or understand other peoples’ speech, and couldn’t read or write. My life changed drastically. Although I received good treatment from the NHS, I still needed long term support and joined Stowmarket’s Stroke Support Group in 2006, and I have attended ever since. With the group’s support and encouragement I have not only been a member but taken on some voluntary roles in other organisations. Then recently the previous Chair, Anne Helliwell, who chaired the group for 6 years, announced that she felt it was time to stand down and I was invited to become Chair, the first stroke survivor to take on this post. I was extremely gratified to be asked to take on this role – it gives me a real feeling of returning to life.”
The Stowmarket group has been going for XX years and is led by 12 local volunteers. The group welcomes membership from stroke survivors in and around the Stowmarket area. The group provides peer and social support as well as recreational activities including conversation, games, quizzes and outings.
Alan adds, “I have seen the group develop recently – it has doubled in size as more stroke survivors join, and it has moved to larger premises. I hope that I can help continue this progress in the future. With its growth it needs more volunteers to help its valuable work for the local community. I hope more people will join to help us with this vital, but very gratifying work.”
The Support group is run entirely by volunteers and aims to help stroke survivors recover the abilities and skills they need to help them return to live at home or a care home. The group meets each Thursday from 10.00 till 12.00 at the Salvation Army hall in Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket, during term-time.
For more information about stroke, please visit www.stroke.org.uk – and for more information about the stroke group, please contact Alan Moore on 01359 258953 or amoore.hillands80@btinternet.com
Topics
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
