2 Life after stroke
SPRING/SUMMER 2011
A word from the editor... I have been in contact with Carlisle Stroke Club for nearly two years now and have nothing but admiration for for everybody involved. My first encounter with the club was when I helped raise £500 in memory of Derek Lacey after he died of a stroke in June 2009. I was touched by how much of an impact the club had on people’s lives and the close bond the 36 members and volunteers share. This issue of Life After Stoke has been created for assessment as the final part of my degree in journalism, but it is hoped that the magazine will be a regular occurrence. Inside this magazine, a whole spectrum of the world of stroke is explored; from survivor stories and medical professionals to vibrating plates and Sinatra singers. Whether you’ve had a stroke, been affected by it or even have no connection to it, I hope that this magazine truly encapsulates the fantastic work that Christine and her team of volunteers do for people recovering from a stroke.
Sarah Langford Carlisle Stroke Club is a registered charity and is based at Robert Ferguson School in Denton Holme, Carlisle. The club meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month between 7.30 and 9.30pm. For information of how to donate or to getinvolved, conact the Chairman on 01228 576738
Latest donations Ronnie Mulholland kindly donated £70 of his birthday money to the club thanks to the generosity of guests at his 80th birthday party. The band “3 for all”, which features Ronnie Walker, Morris Petry and Eddie Clifford, raised a combined £170 through sales of their CD and donations for performances. Longtown Stroke Club transferred their remaining funds of £859.50 to Carlisle Stroke Club following their closure in April. £100 was donated anonymously by a member of Carlisle Stroke Club. £230 was raised in memory of a nonmember, who the family wishes to remain anonymous. A cake sale at Kirkbampton School helped to raise £137.07 for Carlisle Stroke Club. All photographs credited to Gemma Doyle unless stated otherwise This publication was printed by Cumbrian Newspapers. All articles written by Sarah Langford. Edited by Sarah Langford for assessment in BA (Hons) Journalism at the University of Cumbria With thanks to Cumbria Mobility Ltd and the Crown and Mitre Hotel for their kind donations to Carlisle Stroke Club in return for advertising.
30 years and Chris still helping others
Long service: Christine joined the stroke club after a chance find in the News and Star
Carlisle Stroke Club chairman, Christine Mountain has been volunteering at the club for almost 30 years. Life After Stroke deatils how the club’s leading lady found her way into helping people on the path to recovery.. Christine joined Carlisle Stroke Club as a driver when she replied to an advertisement in the News and Star in December 1982. She held the post of programme secretary for a few years before becoming chairman a short time later. “Soon after I joined the club, I got more involved with different aspects. As they say, the rest is history” Christine said. Originally from Workington, Christine set up a similar club at her home town in Ayrshire, for disabled people after hearing how frustrated her friend’s mum was that she could not get out of the house following her stroke.
It was this that prompted Christine to get involved with the club in Carlisle. As well as being a proud Scot, Christine’s hobbies include flower arranging, gardening, rugby and she also has an active role in the Church of Scotland on Chapel Street. Carlisle Stroke Club plays a vital part in peoples’ recovery and Christine is proud that it has been running for almost 34 years. The club was set up by Dr Peter Chin and some other local professionals in June 1977. “It has been helped by the fact that we have a good group of volunteers.” “It’s great fun and worthwhile in helping people with their recovery so I am very happy in my role as chairman. Carlisle Stroke Club will be the last thing I ever give up. The members are a game bunch and are up for absolutely anything!” “A stroke is such a tremendous illness that not only affects a lot of your body, but has a huge impact on family and your day to day life.” “This club proves that there really is a life after stroke.”
University student to examine how members walk the walk Members of Carlisle Stroke Club were asked to roll up their trousers in the name of science as part of a study into perceptions of walking. Lauren Stenhouse, 23, is studying for her Masters’ degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Cumbria, and as part of this, Lauren is researching how people walk after they have had a stroke. The brave volunteers who completed the study were asked to walk down a ten metre runway during a meeting in March, while being filmed by Lauren and her assistant. Those taking part were also asked to complete a questionnaire detailing information about their stroke. In order to take part in the study, volunteers had to roll up their trousers and tuck in their shirts, so
that Lauren could have a clear view of how they were walking. Lauren (below) said: “I have had a good response so far. I just hope my research can help people who have had a stroke in the future”