Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group

I joined Yvonne Fovargue MP in backing a local Stroke Support Group on Friday, 1st February.

At the invitation of the Chair of Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group, Sue Lewis, we both met with group members to talk about the work of the group.

The visit coincided with a donation of £150.00 from ASDA’s Windermere Rd branch and the Atherleigh Way superstore in Leigh. ASDA’s Kathleen Fallon and Cathy Jones presented the cheque on behalf of ASDA after it was nominated by customers for the ‘Chosen by You’ Charity.

The Wigan and Leigh Stroke Support Group was originally started by the Stroke Association. Since July 2011 it has become a Stroke Association Voluntary Group, receiving support from Wigan Council and the Manchester Community Fund as well as the group’s own fundraising initiatives.

Sue Lewis, Chair of Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group said, “The majority of the group’s volunteers are stroke survivors themselves. We aim to provide a friendly, sociable and supportive atmosphere at meetings which are held at the Abram Community Centre every other Friday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm."

“If you or a family member has been affected by Stroke we will be more than happy to welcome you at our meetings.”

Yvonne Fovargue MP said, “Wigan & Leigh Stroke Support Group is a wonderful example of how local people come together to support those most in need and I am very proud of the hard work that Sue and her volunteers have put in to support stroke victims through their recovery.”

The Group receive continued support from Stroke Association Information Advice and Support Coordinators Elaine Pye and Jim Brown on 01942 862429 and Communication Support  Coordinator Rachel Cheetham on 01942 775826.

In Ashton, Leigh and Wigan 600 people have a stroke every year and more than 5,500 people in the area are living with a disability after a stroke. High blood pressure is the single biggest cause of strokes and affects almost a quarter of the population in Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.

A stroke is a brain attack which occurs because of a clot or a bleed in the brain, causing brain cells to die. Although it is one of the UK’s biggest killers and leading causes of disability, far too many people don’t understand it or ever think it will happen to them. We rely on your support to change lives and help us to change how people think about stroke.

The Stroke Association is a charity that believes in life after stroke, and is leading a community of people to change the world for those affected by stroke. It works directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, as well as with health and social care professionals. It campaigns to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can and also funds research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.

Stroke changes lives. It can and does have a huge effect on the person and their family. That’s why I am always moved by the bravery and enthusiasm of Stroke victims and the dedication shown by volunteers.

I know that the group are currently looking for volunteer drivers to bring some of their members to the group and I hope that local people with a few hours to spare can assist the group in this way, by contacting Sue Lewis on 01942 514647 for more information about volunteering or joining the group.

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit the website.