Press release -
Stroke survivors provide message of hope for Blackpool stroke patients
An inspirational mosaic created by a group of stroke survivors has been displayed in Blackpool Victoria Hospital Stroke Unit, as a message of hope for patients during their recovery.
The colourful mosaic mural was created by eight stroke survivors during a mosaic workshop held by the Stroke Association in Blackpool, led by mosaic teacher Chrissy Webster. The sessions were part of a pilot project organised by the charity’s Life After Stroke service earlier this year.
One stroke survivor who helped to create the mural, Lisa Farquhar from Lytham, was just 42 when she had a stroke in 2012. The stroke left her with difficulties walking and speaking. Before her stroke, Lisa loved to paint but now finds this difficult because the stroke also affected her right hand. She said: “The mosaic group has been a great place to meet new friends. It has inspired me to be creative again.”
Mavis Baron, from Blackpool, also attended the group. She had a stroke in 2013 at the age of 76. She added: “When I had my stroke I thought it was the end of the world for me. Seeing how others were coping lifted my spirits and gave me encouragement. It made me realise that you can do anything with determination and that there is life after stroke.”
Sam Lord, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association in Blackpool, said: “Art therapy can help stroke survivors build on their confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see overwhelming courage and determination in many stroke survivors as they cope with the loss of many things we take for granted, such as being able to say what we are feeling.
"The mosaic project has given the group the chance to demonstrate the powerful way art helps people to express themselves. We’re so pleased that the Stroke Unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital has chosen to display the mosaic mural. It will help to show stroke patients who are beginning their road to recovery that there is life after stroke and that together we can conquer stroke.”
The group’s mosaic has also been chosen to be displayed at the World Stroke Congress in Istanbul from 22-25 October 2014, alongside around 70 pieces of art submitted from the UK.
The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service and Communication Support in Blackpool, in partnership with Blackpool Council and Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
Topics
Categories
Regions
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
