Merton stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Merton resident Mike Roberts, who has survived two strokes in 2011 and 2013, is challenging people across London 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.

Mike, 61, had his first stroke in 2011 whilst at work. Mike explains, “I felt as if a strange feeling had just hit me out of nowhere. I carried on working thinking the sensation would just pass, and that I was having a funny turn.”

Mike’s doctor put the feeling Mike was experiencing down to stress, but two years later Mike went on to have his second and biggest stroke, which left him with right side paralysis and no speech. When Mike had a scan at the hospital, doctors discovered that he had already had a stroke some time ago without realising.

Since the second stroke, Mike has used photography as a form of therapy capturing more than 2,091 streets from across 62 postcode areas for The Royal Photographic Society’s Bleeding London Project, which aims to exhibit and publish every street in London.

Mike said: “My prescriptions include a minimum of five pills a day, but taking part in photography has been the best medicine. It exercises both my mind and body. 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 me who are on the road to recovery.”

Ruth Dunkin, Fundraising Manager for 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 Mike 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.