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Across the UK, there are 1.3 million stroke survivors – nearly 13,000 of which are registered with a GP in Gwent.

Mike Rees, chairman of the Blackwood Stroke Support Group, is desperate to show these people “there is life after a stroke”.

Mike, who helped form the volunteer-run group in 2016, has first-hand experience of the impact a stroke can have through his late wife, who herself suffered a stroke.

Group members meet at Tir y Berth Village Hall every Thursday morning for a cup of tea and a chat, sharing their experiences and making friends along the way.

Occasionally, guest speakers will come in to present to the group, which has around 30 members, including stroke survivors and their families and carers.

Caerphilly Observer paid a visit to the group on Thursday January 19. Despite it being an icy morning, it was a near full-house – with members travelling in from places like Risca, Abercarn, Rhymney and even Cardiff to attend.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mike said: “There is life after a stroke, it’s true. We’re trying to show people there’s lots of things they can do.”

Mike is keen to welcome new members to the group and said: “There’s an average of 30 stroke patients being discharged from hospital each month in the area.

“There must be hundreds of survivors in this valley and I just want people to know we’re here when they’re ready.

“When people come to us, they very rarely leave us”

As well as the weekly meetings, the group organises monthly trips for members, including boat rides in Cardiff Bay, canal trips in Gloucestershire and even zip-wiring, as well as golf outings, meals out and visits to places such as Llancaiach Fawr and Rhondda Heritage Park.

Last year, the group received more than £7,000 in National Lottery grant funding – something Mike says has made all the difference.

“We’re self-sufficient when it comes to running our weekly meetings, but we couldn’t run these trips without the lottery funding,” he said.

What does the group mean to its members?

Angela Harrington has been the group’s treasurer since September. She first joined the group alongside her partner, Geoff Crook, in 2019 after he’d had a stroke.

Angela said: “We didn’t know what to do at the time. It was hard – we just wanted to talk to someone.”

After joining, Angela instantly felt welcomed. “We were able to talk about other things, like rugby. People don’t have to talk about strokes if they don’t want to.”

The group’s secretary is Wendy Williams, who has suffered two strokes in the past.

“Very few people go back to their normal self after a stroke, but the new self can be just as busy and exciting as before.

“I’ve got nothing to thank my stroke for other than my recovery and being able to share it with others.”

Before retirement, Wendy worked in customer relations for BT before doing admin for Cwmbran Magistrate’s Court. For her, work was a big part of her social life.

However, she was forced to quit her job after struggling with the impact of her stroke. She also experienced depression at the time.

Seeing she needed support, Wendy’s psychologist recommended the group to her – and she hasn’t looked back since.

“At one point I couldn’t walk and my eyesight was bad, but everything, thank goodness, improved,” Wendy said. “If I can use my experiences to lift others’ spirits, then it’s all well and good.”

She continued: “We’d be nothing without our carers and this group wouldn’t survive without our volunteers.

“I’m lucky I had my husband to support me, but it scares me that not everyone has that.

“My strokes have made me appreciate what I’ve got and understand others’ disabilities.”

Wendy added: “It’s a friendly group here, there are people from all walks of life and different ages.

“We give everyone a warm welcome. It’s not for everyone, but everyone is welcome – it’s lovely to come and chat and share experiences.

“When we’re here it’s an open door and the trips we do are outstanding – some things I never thought I’d do.

“Here in the group you can have a chat and offload your worries. We can’t give you Saturday’s Lottery numbers, but we can help.”

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Mike Rees on mikerees650@gmail.com or 07941 786918.

The group meets every Thursday between 9.45am and 11.45am.