​Life After Stroke grows in Stoke-on-Trent with charity gardening group

Green-fingered stroke survivors have overhauled the local community gardens at the Hollybush Inn in Brown Edge, while boosting their recovery from stroke.

The group has been attending sessions organised by the Stroke Association’s local Life After Stroke Services each Tuesday. Each week has seen the group develop new gardening skills and meet other people affected by stroke, while clearing the previously overgrown gardens on the premises.

John Willis, 69, from Stoke-on-Trent, inspired the project after being supported by Emma Roberts, Communication Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association. John ran the Hollybush Inn for 20 years and he was well known locally for maintaining the gardens at the pub. He had a stroke in December 2014 which left him paralysed down his right hand side and confined to a wheelchair. As a result, he had to spend most of his time at home.

Alongside five other stroke survivors, staff and volunteers from the Stroke Association, John has been helping return the grounds to their former glory.

John said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the project so far and it’s been wonderful to get back outside doing what I love most. When I ran the pub, I completely remodelled the gardens and hand-built the playground’s furniture, so it’s meant so much to have the support and adapted tools to get involved again. It has given me a real boost when I’ve been to the gardening group, not only to see the progress being made, but also to have a chat, a laugh and a cup of tea with everyone involved.”

Emma said: “An everyday activity such as gardening can help with motivation and reduce anxiety, as well as providing exercise. It’s great to see our service users getting involved with the project and working hard to enable more people to enjoy its benefits. Meeting regularly has also helped them to interact with others to improve confidence and reduce social isolation.

“We’ll continue to meet each week for the rest of 2015 and hopefully we’ll be continuing the project into the new year.We’d love for more stroke survivors and volunteers to get behind the project to help make it a real success for the local community to enjoy.”

The Stroke Association is calling out for more volunteers to support the project and inviting more stroke survivors from the area to get involved. For more information about the project or to find out how else you can support the Stroke Association’s work in Stoke-on-Trent, contact Emma Roberts on 01782478324 or email emma.roberts@stroke.org.uk.

Between 26 October and 01 November, the Stroke Association is calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ and raise vital funds for the charity. To find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand.