Offering guidance to Sligo’s stroke victims
TEN YEARS ago there was no support group in Sligo for people who suffered strokes.
That all changed when John O’Hara, a stroke survivor, met Ed Blake and set up the North West Stroke Support Group.
John said: “I have had four strokes in total. The first happened when I was in my 40s.
“I met Ed, who also suffered a stroke, and along with Michael Mulvanney, and a few others, we set up the group.”
The group was established so that people who suffered strokes, and their carers, could find support and awareness.
John, who is from Ballisodare, added: “There was no group in Sligo before this.
“We met through the HSE facilitator and decided to set one up. We are celebrating 10 years this year.”
There are 46 members in the Sligo area, including their carers, which could be family members or spouses.
The founding members wanted to let people know that there is life after stroke.
The group meets once a month in the Irish Wheelchair centre in Abbeyville.
Some people can become isolated following a stroke; the group tries to let them know that others understand what they are experiencing.
Other social activities include bringing members out for Sunday lunch, and the group is going for a weekend away to Athlone in April.
John said: “The reaction from our members has been very, very supportive.
“The main problem is fundraising – our funds are down 66% on last year, which is a lot. “People just don’t have it to give.” Upcoming fundraising events for the voluntary group include an Easter Raffle on March 27th, tickets are now on sale.
A race night will be held in Connolly’s, Collooney, on Saturday, April 13th.
The group’s main event, a social dance, takes place in the Sligo Park Hotel on May 24th, featuring a number of top names in music.
Three years ago, the group was presented with a national award by the Irish Heart Foundation for their tiresome work in the Northwest.
They are always welcoming to new members, contact 086 8337138.