A STROKE victim has enjoyed a day of sailing, thanks to the Stroke Association’s East Lancashire branch.

Seventeen staff, volunteers and members of Stroke Association’s East Lancs Communication Support service, visited Hollingworth Lake for a day of sailing recently.

The event was organised by Link4Life, to give people with disabilities the opportunity to lead healthy, creative, and active lifestyles.

Andrew Graham, 45, from St James Street, Accrington, had a stroke in November 2009.

He said: “Hollingworth Lake took me straight back to my youth, and conjured up memories of long summer evenings. I had a great day. It has been a long time since I have been there.

“The day was a resounding success, despite not so glorious weather! A few of us are now hoping to complete the level one sailing certificate.”

Stroke Association’s Andrea Walsh, who runs the service, said: “Everyone had a fantastic time, and it’s great to be able to offer exciting days out like this as part of the service.

"We like to offer our members a variety of opportunities to rebuild their confidence and learn new skills.”

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

Around 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability.