Ashwood Charity of the Year update

Stroke Support West Midlands  is Ashwood’s Charity of the Year  2014 . This local group, which is affiliated to the Stroke Association, was set up in 1999 by a few carers and stroke survivors in West Park Rehabiliation Hospital in Wolverhampton. At first there were only half a dozen in the group, but their aims were clear: to give young stroke survivors a regular venue for exercise tailored to their disabilities and the opportunity to get to know other stroke victims. Since those early days the group has grown steadily and there are now often over fifty stroke survivors, carers and family attending at their meetings on a Saturday morning held at the Action for Independence’ Day Care Centre, Albert Road, Wolverhampton WV6 0AF. The age range has expanded and ranges from youngsters in their twenties to  more elderly members in their eighties.

There are a number of activities each year including a fun sports day at RAF Cosford. Biking in West Park is a popular pastime, using specially adapted bikes and there are a number of social activities such as dining out and bowling. Facebook also plays a part and there is a forum where issues affecting stroke survivors and carers can be discussed and where the latest news on stroke care is posted.

Stroke occurs approximately 152,000 times a year in the UK: that is one every 3 minutes and 27 seconds. Over half of stroke survivors have a disability and it is groups like Stroke Support that play such a vital role on providing social, emotional and practical support.

We have had the privilege of meeting many of the group’s stroke survivors on John’s Garden Open Days when they sell raffle tickets and chat to visitors about their experiences as well as the work of Stroke Support. It is both humbling and inspiring to learn their stories and to hear how the group has helped with their recovery.

We are pleased to announce that the total raised for the charity so far is £8410.00. We hope that friends and customers of Ashwood will continue to give generous support to this worthwhile cause. Our main fundraising comes from John’s Garden Open Days and Hellebore Tours (the entire proceeds from entrance charges are donated) plus the sale of raffle tickets and a range of Ashwood Charity Christmas cards.