​Birmingham stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Birmingham resident Helen Neylon, who had a stroke at 34, is challenging people across the West Midlands to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.

Helen had a stroke in 2002 after a day of horse riding, her first time riding in more than seven years. At the time she was mum to four-year-old twins, Clare and Tom, and working as a teacher in Birmingham. Helen’s stroke left her with severe communication difficulties and weakness down the right side of my body. She has learnt to walk with a stick, but unfortunately has never regained the use of her right arm.

She said: “A couple of years ago my daughter Clare developed a love of horses. My husband Mike called the Lowlands Farm Riding for Disabled Association (RDA) centre so I could go along with her. During my first visit I was really frightened and frustrated that I couldn’t get on or off the horse."

Helen persevered and started to really enjoy being back in the saddle. Helen now specialises in dressage and horse rides twice a week. She adds: “I can only ride for around half an hour because I find it exhausting. I use a special ramp to get on the horse and have one bar rein for when I ride.

“By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”

Sophie James, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association,said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Helen to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.