THE first ever Stroke Club in Wales has celebrated 40 years of providing friendship, help and support.

The Haverfordwest/Pembrokeshire Stroke Club even pre-dates the national Stroke Association, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012.

At a special meal to celebrate the milestone, held at Crundale Hall on Monday (June 8), the Club’s secretary, Margaret Jenkins, described the organisation as a “real life-line” for people who have suffered a stroke.

“Getting out and about and meeting people who are in a similar situation can be difficult for stroke patients,” she said. “For some of our members, Club events are the only social occasions they can attend.”

The Club’s oldest member, 98-year-old Phyllis Yeldham, agreed and described the organisation as “a really nice, friendly crowd”.

Responding to a need highlighted by a relative of a stroke patient, whose only contact with non-family members was with staff at Withybush Hospital, the Club was set up in 1975 by occupational therapist Liz Beresford, speech therapist Ann Owen and physiotherapist Angela Harvey.

The first meeting was held in June of that year in the Hospital’s recreation room, and was attended by four stroke patients.

Today, the group has over 30 attendees from all over Pembrokeshire. The members are picked up from their homes by the Pembrokeshire Voluntary Service and transported to meetings at the Cricket Club on Dale Road, Haverfordwest, on the second Monday of every month. Meanwhile, the Stroke Club’s Committee works hard to provide a varied programme of extra activities, including demonstrations, games, afternoon teas and ‘mystery’ day trips.

Peter Jenkins is the only man on the Club’s committee. He became involved after suffering a TIA, or ‘mini-stroke’.

“We’re lucky to have such a committed committee,” he said. “Everyone works to make sure members have a good time.”

For more information about the Stroke Club, contact Margaret Jenkins by calling 01437 767915.