Exercise videos support stroke survivors in physical activity

Acharity which enables stroke survivors to rediscover the benefits of physical activity is looking to create a third series of dedicated exercise videos after the huge success of the first two.

A Stroke of Luck was created to support survivors with their mental and physical recovery through a range of exercise-based resources, direction and advice, empowering them to rebuild and move on with their lives. The charity has created two series of 12-week exercise programmes for stroke survivors, in partnership with the Stroke Association, which are devised by specialist neuro physiotherapists to reflect specific rehab needs.

The videos are categorised as red, amber and green, geared around the physical abilities of survivors, with red being for those with limited movement through to green for those who can exercise independently. And the content has proved such a success - and has extended beyond stroke survivors into people with a range of neurological conditions - that a third series is now planned, with A Stroke of Luck looking for funding streams to make the project possible.

The ethos of A Stroke of Luck comes from its founder Craig Pankhurst, a former elite international swimmer who had a stroke in 2018 in his mid-30s, after falling into a largely sedentary lifestyle through the demands of his high-pressured corporate career.

“After my stroke, I realised the huge importance of exercise, not only for physical and mental health, but also for a positive mindset and outlook on life,” he says.

“Being active again improves confidence, promotes cognitive recovery and well as enabling your body to recover, and increases social mobility.

“That is central to who we are at A Stroke of Luck and what we offer. The videos are a very important part of that. The response has been fantastic, there has been a strong appetite for this content and not just from stroke survivors, but from many people with MS and other neurological conditions.

“The content is created by neuro physios, so it focuses on factors like fine motor skills and appropriate exercises for the affected side, and is delivered in the comfort and safety of a person’s own home.

“The response has been excellent and we would love to do more, but need to secure the funding to enable us to do this. The demand is certainly there and there is an ongoing need.”

In addition to grant funding and fundraising, A Stroke of Luck is also looking for support from businesses through new corporate partnerships. For more information, visit astrokeofluck.co.uk