Press release -
Stroke survivor finds her voice to perform with charity choir
A stroke survivor from Stalybridge has found her voice again, to perform
with the Stroke Association’s Community Choir and mark World Stroke Day.
Ann Williams, 67, was a successful folk musician performing gigs across the North West, alongside her daughter, Shelley, before she had a stroke in May 2013. The stroke affected Ann’s mobility and coordination, and she lost her confidence. After her stroke, she struggled to remember the songs she had previously written and performed so confidently.
Ann needed a lot of help with everyday tasks and while in hospital for three weeks, the occupational therapists suggested Ann’s family bring in her guitar for her to try and play. It was a challenge, but after working with hospital staff and playing her CDs on the ward, Ann gradually started to play the guitar again on her own.
The Stroke Association visited Ann while in hospital and provided on-going support once she was discharged. Tameside coordinator, Joyce Booth, invited Ann to attend choir sessions organised by the charity. Now Ann has led the charity’s North West Community Choir to perform her self-penned song Wonderful Life, at a celebratory and awareness event at Salford Royal Hospital, to mark World Stroke Day on Wednesday 29 October. The choir also performed at the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards at the AJ Bell Stadium in the same week.
The Stroke Association organised the singing group, which was made up of stroke survivors, carers, volunteers and health professionals and led by local composer and musical director, Carol Donaldson. The choir met for six weeks at Z-Arts on Stretford Road, Manchester to rehearse.
Ann said: “Before my stroke, my life revolved around performing and playing my music, but now it’s not as much of a priority and I’m getting used to that. I’m very lucky to be where I am now, thanks to all the wonderful support from my friends and family. I have regained my special bond with my daughter, Shelley, thanks to the complete, unwavering enthusiasm that she has given to my recovery.
“Being a part of the choir has been so special, it’s given me a real sense of achievement and made a huge difference to my confidence. Hearing the choir singing my music has been wonderful and I was so proud to perform with them on World Stroke Day.”
Joyce Booth, Family and Carer Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, added: “A stroke happens in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. We were thrilled that so many of our community in the North West joined in with Ann to perform her music. Ann is a huge inspiration and it’s been fantastic to see her confidence grow as she performs again. ”
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
