A community group which has helped stroke sufferers and their carers over the past four decades is faced with closure.
But the Pendle Stroke Group could be saved if a team of two or more Pendle residents are able to take over the reins.
The group officially held its last meeting at the Pendle Inn, Barley, after Dorothy Pollard and Kathleen Barr announced they were no longer able to keep it running.
The small group used to meet every fortnight from 10am to around 3pm on a Thursday.
During the winter months, sessions were held at Trawden Community Centre, while in the summer, days out were arranged as often as possible.
Talking about her time as Pendle Stroke Group’s coordinator, Mrs Pollard (73), from Barnoldswick, said: “It has been very rewarding, but Kathleen and I got to the stage where we were physically finding it very hard to carry on.
“It has been a really sociable little group, but we have had no option but to close it. Both of us are in our 70s now, and we are going to be doing ourselves harm if we are not careful.”
Pendle Stroke Group was founded by former Burnley General Hospital nurse Mollie Short back in 1973.
It was run for some time by Stanley Kershaw, before being taken over by Mrs Pollard in 2001.
Mrs Barr joined the team a year later.
The group’s final meeting included dinner and a small presentation of gifts and cards.
It was attended by Stroke Association ambassador John Gott.
Mrs Pollard added: “Just before Mollie’s retirement, she realised that there should be something going on for someone that has had a stroke, long after they had finished with hospital treatment.
“The group offered support to those who have suffered strokes, in a happy and relaxed environment.”
If a team of two or more new volunteers can help to save Pendle Stroke Group, then Dorothy would love to hear from them. Contact her on 814578 for more information.