​Local woman raises hundreds for Stroke Association after mother’s stroke

Lauren Stubbs, 32 from Stockport, has raised more than £350 for the Stroke Association, by donning her apron and hosting a Give a Hand and Bake event.

Lauren was inspired to fundraise for the charity, after her mother Linda Hammond survived a major brainstem stroke in July this year, aged 69.

Lauren said: “We were told it was unlikely she would survive. The doctors told us that if she did wake up from the induced coma she was in, she wouldn't be the same person she was before.

“We were absolutely devastated. At 69 years old she was still such an active person, still working part time and doing lots of voluntary work for her church and the local hospital, as well as looking after grandchildren. The stroke had happened without any warning. Luckily, mum did come round and one of the first things she managed to say was ‘I will get better’.”

Linda had no movement at all in her right arm or leg, and had lost her ability to swallow, but she was determined that she was going to walk out of the hospital, and also that she would be able to eat and drink again. After eight weeks in hospital being tube fed, she managed to start eating pureed food.

Lauren added: “The physiotherapists loved her determination and whenever there was an opportunity for more time with them, she would take it. This meant that after 10 weeks in hospital, sure enough she was able to walk with a frame, out to the car to go home.

“We are all so proud of how well mum is continuing to recover. I wanted to give something back to the Stroke Association so arranged a Give a Hand and Bake sale at home and set to work baking plenty of cakes. With the help of all out friends and family, we raised £354.60!”

Helen Latham, 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.

“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.

“We’re so grateful to Lauren and her friends and family for baking up a storm. With their support, the funds raised will help more stroke survivors like Linda in Stockport and beyond.”

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