Local stroke survivor urges Worcester residents to get baking for the Stroke Association

Mary and her husband Richard, who is a stroke survivor from Worcester, are calling on local residents to Give a Hand and Bake to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

The Stroke Association wants people across the UK to roll up their sleeves and grab a mixing bowl from 28 October – 3 November 2019. The Charity is also encouraging anyone who wants to get in involved to hold bake sales throughout this year and in 2020 too.

Richard, 74, survived a near fatal stroke and brain haemorrhage in January 2019. He was cared for in hospital for a few months and underwent intensive stroke rehabilitation. Remarkably, Richard has since gone on to make a great recovery but still struggles with communication due to his Aphasia.

Richard’s wife Mary said: “After a couple of months of rehabilitation following his stroke, we had Richard back home with us, we couldn’t believe his recovery. Everyone’s outcomes and improvements are different, but you need determination, support and obviously lots of luck to make a good recovery.”

“We are so grateful for the support we received from the Stroke Association and the NHS. Our Stroke Support representative Heidi, bridged a gap in the service and supported us. She even brought someone to meet us who also had aphasia that could relate to Richard.”

Richard and Mary have since started set up Say Aphasia Drop-in group in Ombersley and also recently held a bake sale at their home as part of the Stroke Association’s Give a Hand and Bake campaign.

Mary added: “The bake sale we held was great. We opened our door at 8.30 in the morning and put the kettle on. People came and went until early afternoon and we had many friends and ex colleagues that popped in too. Friends that couldn’t make it made donations by participating in a cupcake sweepstake.

“Cakes can be baked or bought, we didn’t mind, it was just a great opportunity to everyone together and raise money. We always want to do more to show our appreciation for the support we have received and help other stroke survivors too. We have set up a branch of a registered charity called Say Aphasia, where people can attend and build confidence with their communication. We want other people across Worcestershire in a similar position as Richard to know that they are not alone.”

Joanna Burr, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Give a Hand and Bake is a fun, and delicious way to support our charity’s work. Plus this year, you can get involved with Give a Hand and Bake and help raise money all year round!”

“Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives and it can strike anyone – young, old and anyone in between. The Stroke Association is here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke, but this is only possible with the generosity of our amazing supporters. That’s why we’re calling on as many people as possible to get involved.”

“We’d love people in Worcester to bake up a storm like Mary and Richard have. It really doesn’t matter if you bake a showstopper or buy one, we just want people to get together with family and friends, have fun and raise money to help more stroke survivors in their local area and in the UK overall.

To get involved, visit www.stroke.org.uk/bakeand sign up for a Give a Hand and Bake fundraising pack.

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For more information, please contact Ken Scott on 0115 7788429 or email ken.scott@stroke.org.uk