A community group offering support to stroke victims and their families has been officially relaunched by caring best friends.
Earlier this year, we revealed that Pendle Stroke Group was under threat of closure, after four decades of service in the community. But following a Leader Times appeal, Leila Neve (32), of Oak Street, and Lindsay Anderson (37), of Millbrook Court, decided to step up to the challenge and take over from Dorothy Pollard and Kathleen Barr.
A successful event was held at Trawden Community Centre on Thursday, and was well attended by familiar and new faces.
Leader Times columnist Leila said: “It was lovely. We had a good mix of existing members and new people so that was good.
“It was really nice to see Andrew Stephenson there. He has been really supportive.”
Both Leila and Lindsay were inspired to take over Pendle Stroke Group, following their own experiences with Leila’s daughter Charlotte (8). The youngster last year suffered a rare brain haemorrhage and a series of strokes, and has since had to learn to walk and talk again.
Leila added: “It was never a question that we weren’t going to do something – we wouldn’t have let that happen.
“What has happened to Charlotte is something that has totally changed our lives.”
And Lindsay said: “Charlotte is my number one inspiration. That little girl is why we are doing everything, and we will do everything we can.
“We were welcomed with such a great heart from everybody. The group is really needed, and I am honoured that we have taken the group over.”
As well as meeting with members on a regular basis, the pair are also hopeful of offering a support network to carers.
They will be continuing to run activities, including poetry and craft days, and are keen to organise day trips and bring in specialists, in areas including occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
The relaunched Pendle Stroke Group will have meetings every fortnight, on a Thursday. There is no age limit, and anybody is welcome to attend.
For more information email leilaneve1@sky.com or visit Leila’s Twitter at @LeilaNeve