Peterborough stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Peterborough resident Ian Simm, who had a stroke at 56, is challenging people across the East of England 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.

When Ian had a stroke in 2009, he was told he would never use his right arm again and thought his drawing days were over. But after spotting a watercolour class for beginners in 2012, Ian taught himself how to use his left hand to paint.

Ian, a former RAF technician, said, “My stroke affected my speech and the right side of my body. Being right handed, it was really difficult for me to get used to having to rely on the left hand side of my body. Before my stroke I used to do a little bit of sketching, but nothing like what I’m doing now. After my stroke the thought of drawing again seemed impossible to me. I didn’t think I could use my left hand for most daily tasks, let alone painting. It was awkward to begin with but I kept practising. Now I would even say I’m better with my left hand than I ever was with my right!”

Ian volunteers twice a week, and runs a local group for stroke survivors. He has also gone on to become a qualified personal trainer, helping local disabled people with rehabilitation.

Ian adds, “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.”

George Burroughs, Fundraising Manager for 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 Paul 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.