​Young volunteer receives regional recognition

A young volunteer from Appleby has received a Highly Commended Life After Stroke Award from the Stroke Association, in recognition of his support for local stroke survivors.

Jamie Langton, 20, has been volunteering for the charity’s Life After Stroke Services in North Lincolnshire for more than two years. A qualified chef who works in Sainsbury’s, Jamie fits in volunteering for the Stroke Association in between his shifts.

As part of the role, he works with staff to raise awareness of stroke, helps to organise and run support groups and works one to one with stroke survivors in their own homes. Jamie also recently helped to set up a creative voluntary group for stroke survivors with the Stroke Association, called Smart Creations. The group is now planning a fundraising pie and peas quiz night in April.

Jamie was presented with his certificate and award by the Mayor of Goole, Councillor Gillian Boatman, at the celebratory event on Thursday 29 January at The Courtyard in Goole. Stroke Association Coordinator, Sally Darley, runs the Communication Support Service where Jamie volunteers and nominated him for the Volunteer Award.

Sally said: “Volunteers are at the core of everything we do. Their knowledge, experience and support help stroke survivors make the best possible recovery. With his friendly personality and cheeky grin, Jamie is truly a people person and a much valued member of the team. Nothing is too much trouble and he is a fantastic ambassador for the Stroke Association.

“Jamie is well known for his catering abilities and spends a lot of his own time preparing cupcakes and treats for our events and groups. He took it upon himself to organise the group’s Christmas party and did a fantastic job of organising a delicious buffet for all of the stroke survivors and carers that we work with.”

Jamie said: “I originally volunteered for the Stroke Association during the 2012 Olympic Games, when Sally was looking for some extra support to take the group to watch the torch relay. I found I really loved working with the people at the group and it continued from there. It’s also a great opportunity to share my love of baking and cooking with everyone we work with. I was genuinely very surprised when I found out I was nominated; it was an amazing feeling.”

Julia MacLeod, Regional Head of Operations for the Stroke Association in Yorkshire and the Humber, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. We were thrilled that so many of our community in Yorkshire and the Humber were nominated to receive a Life After Stroke Award. Our regional event will highlight the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping others to do the same.”

The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LifeAfterStrokeAwards

The Stroke Association is looking for more volunteers to support stroke survivors in in North Lincolnshire. For information, contact Sally Darley on 01724 850813. To find out more about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.