Douglas stroke survivor and budding baker, Lesley Saxon, is calling on local residents to come along to the Dealz store on Strand Street from 10:30am this Saturday 21 October, as she joins the Stroke Association to host a bake sale.
The Stroke Association’s fundraising initiative, Give a Hand and Bake, calls on people across the Isle of Man to host their own bake sale, all with the aim of raising some serious dough. The money raised will help fund world-leading research that will help to save lives and change the story for stroke survivors. This year, thousands of people across the UK will be donning their aprons for Give a Hand and Bake Week, which runs from 23 to 29 October 2017.
Among them is Lesley, 50 who has had four strokes, with her first in August 2014 and three in 2016. Since then, Lesley has been left with weakness in her left side but it hasn’t stopped her enjoying her passion for baking.
Lesley said: “I’ve always loved baking. Years ago I was a confectionist at Tesco Bakery, but my love for baking started when I was a little girl and I used to help my auntie make bread.
“Since my stroke, I used my left arm to whisk as my own type of therapy, to encourage the movement in my left side to return. I don’t actually eat the cake myself but love making it for everyone else, especially birthdays and special occasions. As I’ve not been able to return to work, I try to help by volunteering with the Stroke Association and bake for events like this when I can.”
The Stroke Association is inviting Isle of Man residents to Dealz for a Give a Hand and Bake sale, where people can buy homemade cakes created by Lesley. Staff from the store will be collecting vital funds and dressing in purple to show their support.
Julie Clarke, Life After Stroke Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “Across the UK, more than a million people like Lesley 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 Isle of Man to come along to Dealz on Saturday and join us as we raise money. And why not have some fun and bake up your own 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.”
Visit www.stroke.org/GAH to find out more about how you can get involved in Give a Hand and Bake, and help to change the story for stroke survivors.
