So the hospitals in this area have been failing for 25 years to get survivors to 100% recovery! APPALLING! Are they even working towards that goal?
Mid UIster Stroke Survivors Group celebrate 25th anniversary
Over sixty members attended a 25th anniversary party for Mid Ulster Stroke Survivors Group last Tuesday
Mid Ulster Stroke Group celebrate 25 years
Over sixty members attended a 25th anniversary party for Mid Ulster Stroke Survivors Group last Tuesday. Among those attending the celebration in the Assembly Rooms of First Presbyterian Church Cookstown were Mid Ulster District Council Chairman Councillor Eugene McConnell and Chief Executive Adrian McCreesh, and representatives of the Stroke Association. Founder member Mary Convery and current Chairperson received a certificate of appreciation and a bouquet for all her hard work.
An anniversary cake was cut by founder members Derek Short and Mary Convery, this was followed by a delicious lunch served by Joanne Loughrin.
South Derry woman Mary Convery was there at the group’s formation 25 years ago and has watched its growth over the years.
Mary, who was working in nursing home Milesian Manor in Magherafelt, was contacted by the in house speech and language therapist about setting up a stroke support group.
It all started when Mary was put in contact with a young man in his 40s who had fallen out of his lorry.
He had brain damage and his speech was affected.
“It was sad seeing a younger man struggling. He often got frustrated that he couldn’t do what older members of the groups were able to do,” Mary said.
From then on Mary started taking local people who had suffered a stroke to the group in Cookstown. The stroke survivors group meet every Tuesday in the First Presbyterian Church, Cookstown. At the moment there are 23 members.
The members' ages range from early 40s to 80s.
The group covers Maghera, Magherafelt, Cookstown and all the outlying areas of Mid Ulster.
Mary continued: “The group offers the chance for people to share their stroke story and have a sense of community. It helps people not feel isolated. They will have a cup of tea, biscuits, sandwiches and have a different programme activity planned for each week.
“There are all different walks of life that come to the group, from farmers to teachers. Stoke doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone at any time.”
Reflecting on the progression of the group, Mary said she is very proud of group member Diane.
“Diane had her first stroke at 34. She won an award for young stroke survivors a few years back,” said Mary.
“It’s amazing to see how the members progress in their time in the group. When they first come they can be withdrawn and shy but they soon get chatting to each other. The group is a good way to build their confidence and compare notes on their different experiences.”
Mary said the group’s members have built lasting friendships.
“They have developed real connections and friendships and that is so important,” she added.
The Mid Ulster Stroke Survivors Group is on break for the summer now and will start up again in September.
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