Stroke survivors tee off in North Somerset

Press release -

Stroke survivors tee off in North Somerset

The Stroke Association in North Somerset has teamed up with England Golf to provide golf courses for stroke survivors in the area.

The Get into Golf four-week course will begin on Tuesday 5 September at Tickenham Golf Club. At the weekly sessions, six stroke survivors have access to an hour’s coaching session on the driving rangeand putting green.

David Jones, 74, from Backwell had a stroke in 2001, and another one in 2014. The strokes affected the movement in David’s right arm and leg, and has also left him with a communication difficulty called aphasia.

David said: “I played golf for around 20 years before my stroke and loved it. Since having the strokes, I never imagined I’d be able to play again.

“To get the chance to get back into golf has really motivated me, and uplifted my spirits. It will feel great to get my hand on a golf club again, although I know that I’ll find it a challenge on the day.

“With the support from the Stroke Association team and Tickenham Golf Club, I’m looking forward to developing my skills further. Stroke affects people in different ways, but this has opened my eyes to the fact that people can still enjoy playing, just using different techniques.”

Verity Aldous, Stroke Recovery Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “The golf course provides an opportunity for stroke survivors to meet others who are also experiencing a life after stroke, benefit from exercise, build their confidence and enjoy learning new skills.

“We’re extremely grateful to the team at Tickenham Golf Club who have been incredibly supportive with this fantastic opportunity for local stroke survivors. We would encourage stroke survivors across North Somerset to get in touch should they like to get involved in any future sessions.”

Sarah Sutcliffe, Head PGA Professional from Tickenham Golf Club said: “It is great to see the partnership with the Stroke Association develop across North Somerset and for us to engage with the local community

“Golf can offer a huge range of health and social benefits to stroke survivors. I hope that we can continue a strong partnership to bring the benefits of the game to more people in North Somerset.”

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire new golfers run by England Golf through its county network. Opportunities include beginner and follow-on courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends. Lessons can cost as little as £20 for a four-week course.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766. Follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at facebook.com/Getintogolf

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK