This World Stroke Day, fundraisers and nursing staff from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust want to renew their charity appeal for a community rehabilitation garden to support recovering patients.

The day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke, talk about prevention and treatment and ensure better care and support for survivors and its focus is Save #Precioustime.

In Walsall, the rehab garden appeal was launched earlier this year in a partnership between the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Hollybank House in Willenhall and Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity. The Mayor of Walsall Councillor Rose Martin visited patients and unveiled an artist’s impression created by Jean Walker.

The appeal aims to transform the grounds to include a potting area, sensory spot and seating area for stroke rehabilitation patients, their visitors and staff to use. The target is £20,000 and fundraising events so far have included charity football matches.

Alison Stone, Clinical lead, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This World Stroke Day the emphasis is, quite rightly, on raising awareness of symptoms and highlighting the fact that when it comes to stroke every minute matters.

“When you see the signs – face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties it’s time to call for emergency medical help.

“But it is also an opportunity to highlight the support that is given to stroke survivors which is why we want to remind the Walsall community about our rehab garden appeal. Gardening is beneficial to a patient’s recovery as it encourages upper and lower limb therapy.  Interaction with other patients is also invaluable and it represents some return to the usual hobbies and interests that a patient enjoyed before their stroke. This wellbeing and mental health aspect is an important element of recovery too.”

To get involved in fundraising for this appeal, or to make a donation, please contact Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager on 01922 656643.