Derbyshire stroke group hits the Lottery jackpot

Members of the Amber Valley Stroke Group are celebrating after it was awarded £5,500 by the National Lottery.

A spokesman for the Ripley-based group said: “We will use the cash to run a varied programme of activities, including: indoor curling and Nintendo Wii games, to promote better balance and co-ordination for stroke survivors with mobility issues; craft sessions, to help promote undiscovered skills and talents; and entertainers and speakers, to promote general wellbeing and socialising skills.

“The group will also be able to press on with plans to promote the group and its new approach at meetings using social media and the internet, in the hope of encouraging more working-age adults left unable to work to come and see what we offer. “

The group, which began in 1982, runs fortnightly meetings with activities such as entertainers, speakers and chair exercises, as well as two or three outings a year.

Terry Shiels, group secretary, said: “Being part of the group has helped me rebuild my confidence to get out there and meet new people, make new friends and discover skills and talents I didn’t know I had.”

John Ward, group vice-chairman, said: “Thanks to Lottery players, we will be able to increase our plans to broaden the range of activities to appeal to a wider age range.

“This is important, because it helps both the stroke survivor and their carers meet other individuals in a similar situation and helps them to build a circle of supportive friends and peers that understand what they are dealing with.”

The money was celebrated with a presentation at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Hall, Butterley Hill, Ripley, attended by Councillor Tony Holmes, Ripley mayor, and Nigel Mills, Amber Valley MP.

The spokesman said: “The face of stroke has changed in recent times from one of ‘It only happens to old people’ to ‘It can happen to anyone at any age’.

“Our group’s aim is to be there for those working-age survivors, both working or those left unable to work, who need support and guidance living life after stroke.”