A STROKE survivor and keen baker from Ivybridge is urging people across the South Hams to get involved in the Give a Hand and Bake campaign.

Organised by the Stroke Association, the fundraising campaign involves people baking and offering the results to family, friends and colleagues in exchange for a donation to the charity.

Give a Hand and Bake takes place this autumn from October 24 to 30, when budding bakers will bake a difference all over the UK.

Angela Kempster, 50, had two strokes which left her unable to walk or use her left arm and hand.

She said: ’I’ve always had a passion for cooking. I love being in the kitchen! When I had the stroke I thought I’d never be able to cook again.

’Being determined, I decided that I wasn’t going to let the stroke stop me. I had to accept that things would take a little longer, but I wasn’t going to give up.

’One weekend when my daughter was staying over, I decided to bake a cake. Having a background in psychology, I knew the power of memory, and I thought that I needed to take up a task which would help with my memory, especially retaining information.

’Baking seemed like a perfect task to tick those boxes.

’A lot of hard work, a bit of mess, and two hours later, I’d baked a cake. I was so proud to have baked it and quickly realised this wouldn’t be the last cake I bake. I’ve now made lots of alterations in the kitchen and purchased new gadgets which help me to bake one handed.’

Angela bakes cakes each month for the local stroke support group she helps to run in Ivybridge. She added: ’I believe that with patience and determination, you can get there. I’ve learnt to accept that life after stroke is going to be a challenge, but I’ve made sure that I’m not afraid to push myself.’

Fundraising manager at the Stroke Association Amy Spencer said: ’Angela’s recovery is truly inspiring. There are over 100,000 stroke survivors living in the South West who need support to rebuild their lives.

’This October, we’re looking for bakers to help raise some serious dough for people recovering from stroke. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or a first time baker, all you’ll need is a generous dollop of enthusiasm and a hungry group of friends and you’ll have the perfect recipe for fundraising success.  

’Whether you prefer to host an afternoon tea for your colleagues or create a fancy showstopper to wow your friends, a simple donation in return for a slice of cake will help to make a real difference. With your support during Give a Hand Week we can create a new era for stroke, where every stroke survivor gets the treatment they need and the lifelong care they deserve.’

For more information on how you can bake a difference and to get a free pack, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand .