A STROKE survivor left unable to walk and talk is calling on people to support a unique fundraising and awareness drive.

Bill Lindsay suffered a stroke in 2011 however he turned to baking for therapy and battled on.

Now the 54-year-old is urging residents to roll up their sleeves, grab a mixing bowl and bake to raise vital funds for fellow survivors.

The Stroke Association’s fundraising initiative Give a Hand and Bake, which runs until October 29, calls on people across the South West to host their own bake sale to help fund research to help save lives.

Bill said: “It took me a year to speak again, and another year to regain my ability to walk. I couldn’t believe how much the stroke had taken from me. I was determined to get better, and had fantastic care from the incredible occupational therapists at Bournemouth Hospital.

“I had never been into baking before my stroke, but whilst recovering I started watching cooking shows on TV and thought it would be a good distraction. I now can’t get enough of baking, I love it! I regularly bake, I find it so relaxing and rewarding.

“Last month I held a tea party at Poole Hospital for the stroke team to say a big thank you. I’ve made a bit of a reputation for myself in the hospital; they don’t let me off lightly when I turn up empty handed!”

Sarah Day, area manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Across the UK, more than a million people like Bill are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By taking part in Give a Hand and Bake, you could help people who have been affected by stroke get their lives back on track.

“As a charity dependent upon funds, we’d love people in the South West to have some fun and bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues this autumn. It doesn’t matter if you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, join us and let’s get stuck in with Give a Hand and Bake.

“Whether you prefer to bake brownies for the office or host an afternoon tea party with friends and family, there are lots of ways you can bake up a storm and rise to fundraising success. The money raised will go a long way to funding innovative research into stroke care and treatment.”

To join in go to www.stroke.org/GAH