Press release -
30 years of supporting Stroke Survivors in Andover
17th June 2015
30 years of supporting Stroke Survivors in Andover
A stroke club in Andover is celebrating 30 years of supporting stroke survivors and their families in the town.24 Members of the group celebrated the birthday with the new Mayor Iris Anderson and her consort John Cockaday in Kimbridge Restaurant during Action on Stroke Month on the 21st May 2015.
Included in the guest list was a very special lady Joan Trubridge who founded the Stroke Club in 1985 after her husband had a stroke. Joan couldn’t find any local support and decided to bring together people in the town who were affected by stroke. Speaking on the day Joan said “I am thrilled that the club has continued and is still providing support to stroke survivors and their family in the town. I was at a loss when my husband had his stroke and I know how important support is.”
30 years on the club is still going from strength to strength. They meet twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday at Burghclere Community Centre at 2.30 until 4.30pm. Each week they organise something different, they have various speakers, go out for lunch and organise trips to local attractions.
Beryl Harman, whose husband John had a stroke 22 years ago aged just 52, attends the club with him.After his stroke John was paralysed down the left hand side of his body and wheelchair bound. It also caused temporary aphasia and epilepsy, Beryl said “The first fit was a big shock, after a couple more they put him on medicine which controls them.”
Beryl found out about the Stroke Club when John returned home from hospital after his stroke. Mrs Bridget Olden, who was the chairperson of the club at the time and a former physiotherapist, came to visit them.Talking about the group Beryl said “You think that you have all the problems in the world, but when you attend a group you can see other people’s struggles and it helps put things into perspective. Over the years it has provided great companionship and a lovely place to have a cup of tea and a natter. It was lovely to celebrate with many of our friends on Thursday.”
Recently John was moved to a nursing home to help with his care, but Beryl visits regularly and takes him out to various clubs including the stroke club and a group she helps to run, ECO (Equal Care and Opportunities).
To find out more about the Andover Stroke Club please email ann.dean19@gmail.com or phone 01264 324 045.
To find out more about stroke you can visit www.stroke.org.uk
Ends
For further information please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957.
Topics
Regions
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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
