Support group helps stroke survivor keep on knitting

After suffering a stroke back in 2009, 74-year-old Jean relies on a wheelchair to get around and has limited movement in her left arm and hand. She was keen to get back into knitting but couldn’t find any suitable aids to help her knit one handed.

Her daughter Alison, and Stroke Association coordinator, Diane Warhurst, took up the challenge to enable Jean to continue with her favourite hobby. The solution has been found in the shape of a workman’s vice, which clamps on to a table and grips the left-hand needle in place. This allows Jean to use her right hand to control the yarn and other needle.

“Before my stroke I was very active and I’ve had to adapt to my new way of life,” said Jean. “I feel much happier now I can knit again. I’m more confident and I’m now attempting much more ambitious knitting projects. I even recently completed a cardigan for my daughter, which I’d started before I had my stroke.”

Jean attends the Stroke Association’s Knit and Natter group at Belong Residential Home in Macclesfield each Wednesday morning, where she joins other stroke survivors to continue the hobby she loves.

Information, Advice and Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, Diane Warhurst, said: “The Knit and Natter group was set up to enable people to socialise whilst improving their recovery from stroke. Taking part in hobbies and interests is an important part of life after stroke.

“Jean has a real passion for knitting and her ingenuity has allowed her to continue her hobby. She’s a remarkable lady and hopefully her story will encourage others to follow in her footsteps.”

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care, supports people to make the best recovery they can, and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk