On Thursday evening I went to a candlelit carol concert in Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford. As most readers of the blog know, Holy Trinity is a huge, and exceptionally lovely building which has the feel of a small cathedral. The church looked wonderful in candlelight, and was absolutely packed for the occasion. Funds raised by the concert were going to the local charity, Success after Stroke, which describes itself as ‘a thriving self-help stroke group, formed over 8 years ago to help survivors after they have left hospital.’
I was lucky enough to hear more about the charity from its founder. She discovered when her husband had a stroke some years ago that there was absolutely no support in the Sudbury area for stroke sufferers once they are discharged from hospital. This was true even though the ability of sufferers from strokes to recover and get on with their lives depends heavily on support from professionals such as physiotherapists and speech therapists. It is also important for them to socialise and maintain interest in life, and the company of fellow stroke sufferers can often be of great help.
I was very pleased both to be able to enjoy myself and also to be able to support such a worthwhile cause. I found the story of how the group has developed from a small start at the Bridge Project to its current situation, operating four days a week from the Stephenson Centre in Great Cornard, very inspiring. There are currently more than sixty members attending regularly. I will certainly try to support the charity's future fundraising activities if I can.
The Concert was first rate, with a choir from King’s College Cambridge and solos from Steven Varcoe and the soprano Esen Thorley. The latter bravely delivered the challenging aria ‘Regnava nel Silenzio’ from Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermore. I don’t think I would have chosen to sing this particular number on a rather chilly evening but she managed very well. There were the usual Christmas readings and some less usual, two from members of the Success after Stroke Group itself.
SAS can be contacted by telephone on 01787 280753 or 01206 265954 or by e mail on successafterstroke@tiscali.co.uk.
