​Grimsby stroke survivor invites people to Give a Hand and Bake for the Stroke Association

Grimsby stroke survivor and budding baker, Ann Cockerill, is calling on local residents to roll up their sleeves, grab a mixing bowl and bake to raise vital funds for stroke survivors.

The Stroke Association’s fundraising initiative,Give a Hand and Bake, calls on people across Yorkshire and the Humberto host their own bake sale, all with the aim of raising some serious dough. The money raised will help fund world-leading research that will help to save lives and change the story for stroke survivors.

This year, thousands of people across the UK will be donning their aprons for Give a Hand and Bake Week, which runs from 23 to 29 October 2017. Among them is great-great-grandmother Ann, 77, who was a keen baker before she had a stroke in May 2016.

She said: “Before my stroke, I wouldn’t just bake one cake. If I was going to make a mess in my kitchen, I’d make enough for the week and I’d love to bake with my grandchildren. However, my stroke affected my memory and my confidence. I can’t really explain how I felt, just alone and like I wanted to shut myself away.”

Ann was supported by local Stroke Association co-ordinator, Katie Chatburn, who visited Ann at home and encouraged her to come along to the charity’s Continuing Support Group.

Ann added: “After about three to four months at the group, Katie asked me to bake a cake. I was a bit apprehensive but I took my time. In fact, I binned my first two attempts; they weren’t up to my standards. I kept trying and took in my third attempt to the group. Now I bake regularly again.I really enjoy it and I’ve got my confidence back. My most well-loved cake is my coffee and walnut cake, it’s delicious!”

Louise Knight, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Across the UK, more than a million people like Ann are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By taking part in Give a Hand and Bake, you could help people who have been affected by stroke get their lives back on track.

“As a charity dependent upon funds, we’d love people in Yorkshire and the Humberto have some fun and bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues this autumn. It doesn’t matter if you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, join us and let’s get stuck in with Give a Hand and Bake.

“Whether you prefer to bake brownies for the office or host an afternoon tea party with friends and family, there are lots of ways you can bake up a storm and rise to fundraising success. The money raised will go a long way to funding innovative research into stroke care and treatment.”

Visit www.stroke.org/GAH to find out more about how you can get involved in Give a Hand and Bake, and help to change the story for stroke survivors.