South Shields stroke survivor encourages budding bakers to Give a Hand and Bake

Stroke survivor and star baker from South Shields, Jennifer Tufts, is encouraging people across the North East 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.

Great-grandmother Jennifer, 71, ran her own cake business for 20 years before a stroke completely changed her life. However she has found ways to overcome the challenges she has faced and her cake making is still thriving.

Jennifer is a trained chef and ran her own steak house restaurant for five years. Trained in cake making and decorating, Jennifer then set up her own cake business, which specialised in birthday and wedding cakes. However, her life changed in an instant when she had a stroke in January 2015. Jennifer’s stroke affected her left hand side, leaving her with weakness in her hand. A second mini-stroke in May 2016 affected the strength in her right side.

Jennifer said: “After my first stroke I couldn’t do anything, but I had a physiotherapist come and visit me every day. It was frustrating but I gradually got back to baking. Although it was hard at first, with determination I got there.”

Jennifer still has weakness in her left side, particularly in her grasp. She said: “It makes opening a jar tricky as I can hold it, but don’t have the same strength as before. I mainly make cakes for family and friends, but I’m continuing doing what I love. I also volunteer for the Stroke Association Communication support service in South Shields and take along cakes each week.”

Jennifer and her husband Tony have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and she frequently bakes cakes for her family.

Jenifer added: "Occasionally on Sundays I still cook a Sunday lunch for 19 family members. I have a fabulous family and I love it when we all get together over a home cooked meal and some of my cakes. I’m very lucky!”

Kelly Knighting-Wykes, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Jennifer’s recovery is truly inspiring. There are over 16,200 stroke survivors living in the North East, 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.