​Stroke survivors tee off in Chester

The Stroke Association in Chester has teamed up with England Golf to provide golf courses for stroke survivors in the area.

The first of two Get into golf five-week courses began on Thursday 27 April at Vicar’s Cross Golf Club in Great Barrow. At the weekly sessions, eight stroke survivors have access to an hour’s coaching session on the driving range and putting green. A second Get into golf course for local stroke survivors will also run in June.

Jane Fenwick, Information, Advice and Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “More people than ever before are surviving a stroke. But many stroke survivors tell us that after all the effort to save their lives they then feel isolated when they return home.

“The golf course provides an opportunity for stroke survivors to meet others who are also experiencing a life after stroke, benefit from exercise, build their confidence and enjoy learning new skills. We would encourage stroke survivors across Chester to get in touch should they like to get involved.”

The Get into golfprogramme has been specifically tailored to stroke survivors and participants are asked to contribute £10 to the five-week course. Each week there is an hour’s coaching and all equipment is provided.

Alison Lysons, Club Support Officer for England Golf, said: “Golf offers a great opportunity for stroke survivors to build up their physical activity gradually, develop new skills and increase their overall confidence in a social environment which will encourage those taking part to return and continue with the game. Vicars Cross has great facilities for teaching people to play golf and the club’s PGA Pro Martin O’Connor has been very keen to support this initiative”.

For further information about the Get into golf programme, please contact Jane Fenwick, Information, Advice and Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association in Chester on 01244 389 264 or email jane.fenwick@stroke.org.uk

Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire new golfers run by England Golf through its county network. Opportunities include beginner and follow-on courses with PGA professionals. They are a fun and sociable way to start golf – and a great way to make new friends. Lessons can cost as little as £25 for a five-week course.

To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766. Follow Get into golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at facebook.com/Getintogolf