​Redditch stroke survivor encourages budding bakers to Give a Hand and Bake

Stroke survivor and star baker from Redditch, Dennis Hill, is encouraging people across the West Midlands to Give a Hand and Bake for the Stroke Association.

The charity’s latest fundraising initiative asks people to roll up their sleeves, grab a mixing bowl and bake to help make a difference for people affected by stroke. Give a Hand and Bake takes place this autumn from 24 – 30 October, when budding bakers will bake a difference all over the UK.

Dennis, 64, discovered a passion for baking after having two strokes and now teaches other stroke survivors how to bake. Dennis’s strokes left him with no feeling in his right arm and leg, affected his balance, and left him unable to read and write. He signed up for a cooking course at Redditch College designed for people with acquired brain injuries, and hasn’t looked back since.

He said: “The course at Redditch College was where it all started. All the recipes had been designed with stroke survivors in mind, and were created for people to do with one arm. It also introduced us to various implements to make it easier to cook and bake. My favourite cakes to bake are carrot cake and passion fruit, but my speciality is my six minute microwave cake, which I make in a soufflé dish!”

Dennis is the Chairman of the North East Worcestershire Stroke Support Group and regularly holds baking sessions with the group’s members. He also leads ‘Can Cook’ sessions at the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove, helping stroke survivors with one sided weakness to bake.

He adds: “Although I can use my right arm, I don’t have any feeling and it’s weaker than it used to be. I try to use different gadgets to make things like opening cans and ring pulls easier. The course I teach at the Life After Stroke Centre is created for people who have had strokes and I adapt things to make it easier for people to get involved, such as making the recipes using one mixing bowl. It’s great to see others build up their confidence to enjoy baking again.”

Louise Lawless, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Dennis’s recovery is truly inspiring. There are over 120,000 stroke survivors living in West Midlands, who need support to rebuild their lives.

“This October, we’re looking for bakers to help raise some serious dough for people recovering from stroke. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or a first time baker, all you’ll need is a generous dollop of enthusiasm and a hungry group of friends and you’ll have the perfect recipe for fundraising success.

“Whether you prefer to host an afternoon tea for your colleagues or create a fancy showstopper to wow your friends, a simple donation in return for a slice of cake will help to make a real difference. With your support during Give a Hand Week we can create a new era for stroke where every stroke survivor gets the treatment they need and the lifelong care they deserve.”

For more information on how you can bake a difference and to get a free pack, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand.