Local stroke survivor urges Plymouth residents to get baking and raise some dough for charity

Young Plymouth stroke survivor and budding baker, Beth Horton, is calling on local residents to get baking this October to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Beth, 9, is supporting the charity’s Give a Hand and Bake Week, from 22 to 28 October 2018, when money will be raised through bake sales across the UK.

Beth had a stroke weeks before Christmas at the age of two and a half. Beth, who is now nine, has made a good recovery but has some lasting difficulties. The stroke left Beth with limited movement in her right hand and foot, and she also struggles with her memory and numerical skills.

Beth has always enjoyed baking with her mother Maria. Maria, said: “Life now is all about ensuring Beth lives her life like any other nine-year-old, but slightly adapting situations to help her. Baking has given us all a focus as a family to help with Beth’s rehabilitation. Beth has to work really hard in the kitchen to create her tasty treats, but the hard work she puts in is definitely worth it at the end!

“Baking not only helps Beth with her mobility, but also helps in other areas which she struggles in, like mathematics. Together we prepare the ingredients we’ll need, and Beth works out the measurements using scales. When it used to come to mixing the ingredients, we only had a bowl and a spoon which Beth struggled with. We’ve since invested in a hands-free electric mixer which means Beth no longer needs to ask for help at this point of her bake.

“Seeing Beth move around the kitchen and using both her hands whilst she’s baking is great. Sometimes she has to stop to take a rest, but she’s so determined to create her tasty treats that she’s back in the kitchen in no time!

“Beth is getting more and more creative in the kitchen, she makes us so proud. From preparing, to baking, to decorating, she’s just fantastic! I don’t think Beth’s mastered the clean as you go along principle yet, but I can’t complain when I’m presented with her famous chocolate brownies!”

Amy Spencer, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Give a Hand and Bake Week is a fun, and delicious, way to support our charity’s work. We fund research into stroke treatment and care and support stroke survivors with their recovery. This includes our latest online tool, My Stroke Guide, which provides round-the-clock advice, information and support for stroke survivors, their family and carers.

“We’d love people in Plymouth to bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues for Give a Hand and Bake. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, you prefer to bake brownies for the office or hosting afternoon tea for friends and family, there are lots of ways your baking can rise to the challenge.”

Visit www.stroke.org.uk/GAH to sign up for a Give a Hand and Bake fundraising pack and to find out more about My Stroke Guide and other support offered by the Stroke Association.