​Alton stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Alton resident Angus Igwe, who had a stroke at 54 years old, is challenging people across Hampshire to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.

When Angus had a devastating stroke nine years ago, he was left with no use of his right arm, a weakness in his right leg, and no speech.

Angus’ stroke dramatically changed his life, and since his stroke he is unable to write and can only say the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’.

After just five months of rehabilitation and with determination and courage, Angus worked hard to regain his abilities. He soon had the confidence to join the Basingstoke Stroke Group and it is here that he found a new interest in art.

The teacher at the fortnightly art group encouraged Angus to try painting and his interest and skills quickly blossomed. Angus now paints daily using his left hand with acrylic paints and has produced many wonderful, colourful abstract paintings.

Angus’ wife Jill said: “Before his stroke Angus was a psychotherapist, and it’s only since his stroke that he’s become interested in painting, and adapting to using his left hand. Although Angus’ rehabilitation is ongoing, art has proved to have made such a difference to his recovery and wellbeing. By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like my husband who is on the road to recovery.”

Michelle Bowdidge, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Angus to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.