Stroke survivors invited to play golf

A project in Powys is encouraging people who have survived a stroke to try golf or return to the game they love.

With funding from Wales Golf, the Stroke Association are inviting stroke survivors to a series of six sessions with an instructor at Lakeside Golf Club in Garthmyl.

Sharon Sinclair, the Mid Wales Volunteering and Community Officer for the Stroke Association’s Community Steps Programme, said:

“It is a great opportunity for those who have had a stroke to try something new or return to a game if they’ve lost some confidence since having a stroke. It’s also a great opportunity to get some exercise in the fresh air and meet likeminded people. After a person has had a stroke, it is really important to keep the body moving with gentle exercise such as walking.

“We often find that some people recovering from a recent stroke are a little anxious and may have worries about whether they can hold the club, hit the ball or even walk or stand for an hour. But it’s very gentle and we have an instructor on hand who can help with everything,” added Sharon.

Sports coach Steve Cox from near Staylittle had13 TIAs (transient ischaemic attack or mini stroke) four years ago:

“I couldn’t walk, read or write afterwards but my sports background helped me recover. I wasn’t prepared to give up and it wasn’t going to beat me. Physical exercise has massively helped my recovery. I walk more slowly now and I do a lot of kayaking because it’s important to keep going.”

Michelle Price, Consultant Therapist for Stroke and Neurorehabilitation at Powys Teaching Health Board, says:

“It’s important for those who have had a stroke to be able to take part in exercise and physical activity. It can help boost recovery, confidence and wellbeing. It can also help you stay healthy after a stroke and reduce the risk of a further stroke.”

The Welsh Government’s Help Us Help You campaign is shining a light on how we can lead a healthier lifestyle. By making a number of lifestyle choices such as eating well, being active and protecting our mental wellbeing, we are more likely to live longer and less likely to develop serious illnesses and health conditions. For more information about how to live well, please visit https://111.wales.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Default.aspx .

There are still a few places available on the hour-long sessions. They take place on a Saturday morning and start on 17 July at 11am.

If you would like to get involved, please contact Sharon Sinclair on 07703 319646.