One of our remarkable patient partners, Louise Hulbert who works with our stroke team following her recovery from a stroke 10 years ago, raised £900 for our stroke department. She achieved this by completing a sponsored 5k walk in San Sebastian in Spain on Sunday 3 March. Louise raised these funds to help provide music-based activities for patients in our stroke wards, where Louise regularly volunteers. Louise plays a vital role in leading activities on Daisy ward and developing the new STRIVE program (Stroke team recovery improvement through volunteer engagement) on Harvest B.

Louise said: “I’ve been through what the patients here are experiencing, having gone through a stroke myself. I realise the life-changing impact of a stroke, so a little bit of light relief can truly make a significant difference.

When charity heard about Louise's request for music resources, we jumped at the chance to support and expand her idea. With the help of Louise’s funds, our charity supplied both our Daisy and Harvest B wards with a patient activity trolley stocked with musical instruments, interactive games and arts and crafts. Both wards were also provided with brand-new RITA device (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activity) which is a state-of-the-art digital therapy system allowing patients to use apps, games and other leisure activities.

On Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 May, our charity, along with Louise and Karen Peters, the Service improvement lead stroke, visited both wards to introduce the activity trolley and RITA to our staff. These new resources will be used on the wards and during the STRIVE group sessions led by Louise where our patients, volunteers and therapy teams come together engaging in various activities. These sessions enhance physical, cognitive and social interaction for our patients, positively impacting their rehabilitation process.