Local stroke survivor urges Jersey residents to get baking and raise some dough for charity

St Helier stroke survivor and budding baker, John Carlow, is calling on local residents to get baking this October to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Father of two, John Carlow, 61, is supporting the charity’s Give a Hand and Bake Week, from 22 to 28 October 2018, when money will be raised through bake sales across the UK.

John had a stroke in June last year. John was celebrating his wife’s birthday when he suddenly collapsed. The stroke left John with a communication difficulty called aphasia, along with memory and cognitive problems.

John said: “My stroke was a huge shock, and really knocked me and my family. I was determined to not let my stroke stop me from living my life though. I’ve always enjoyed baking, but since having a stroke baking has really been an important part of my recovery and wellbeing.

“Baking gives me the opportunity to be free: I get to experiment with bakes and all the time I’m in the kitchen, I’m using areas of my brain which have been hugely affected by my stroke. I’m part of a Stroke Association’s Peer Support Group where I often take cakes along to. I feel like the cakes are a bit of an ice-breaker in the group, especially when new members come along. Everyone enjoys cake, and once I’ve sliced the cake up and given it out, I can sense the group relaxing and opening up. It’s wonderful what my raspberry jam doughnuts can do!

“I’m no Paul Hollywood, but I do get good reviews from everyone who tastes my bakes! For me, just seeing people enjoy what I bake is so special. I’m really excited for this year’s Stroke Association Give a Hand and Bake, I think I’ll make my favourite for our Peer Support Group, lemon posset!”

Tracy O’Regan, Fundraising and Operations Manager at the Stroke Association in Jersey, said: “Give a Hand and Bake Week is a fun, and delicious, way to support our charity’s work. We fund research into stroke treatment and care and support stroke survivors with their recovery. This includes our latest online tool, My Stroke Guide, which provides round-the-clock advice, information and support for stroke survivors, their family and carers.

“We’d love people in Jersey to bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues for Give a Hand and Bake. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, you prefer to bake brownies for the office or hosting afternoon tea for friends and family, there are lots of ways your baking can rise to the challenge.”

Visit www.stroke.org.uk/GAHto sign up for a Give a Hand and Bake fundraising pack and to find out more about My Stroke Guide and other support offered by the Stroke Association.