A group providing practical and emotional help for people who have suffered a stroke received a welcome boost, when it was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by its local Masonic lodge.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Stroke Support Group committee member Chrissie Forster-Worton with her husband Maurice, 82, who has had two strokes.Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Stroke Support Group committee member Chrissie Forster-Worton with her husband Maurice, 82, who has had two strokes.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sheringham Stroke Support Group, which was founded more than 30 years ago offers activities ranging from art workshops and tea parties, to seated exercise sessions and visits from guest speakers.

The group, whose members come from as far afield as North Walsham, Aylsham and Holt, also welcomes carers, and offers a door to door taxi service to those without cars or who struggle to use public transport.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Stroke Support Group member Gerald Yarham, 73, who has been attending meetings since having a stroke at the age of 48.Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Stroke Support Group member Gerald Yarham, 73, who has been attending meetings since having a stroke at the age of 48.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Group secretary Bernice Escott, said the donation, from Sheringham Masonic Lodge, came "completely out of the blue".

"I just had a phone call to say they wanted to help," she explained. "It was a total surprise and to receive such a generous amount is just wonderful."

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Stroke Support Group secretary Bernice Escott with Sheringham Freemasons, who have presented the group with a cheque for £1,000.Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Stroke Support Group secretary Bernice Escott with Sheringham Freemasons, who have presented the group with a cheque for £1,000.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Committee member Chrissie Foster-Worton, 79, is a full-time carer for her husband Maurice, 82, who has had two strokes.

She said coming to the group gave people a chance to share worries with others in a similar situation.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Stroke Support Group secretary Bernice Escott with committee member Chrissie Forster-Worton (left) and her husband Maurice, 82, who has had two strokes.Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Stroke Support Group secretary Bernice Escott with committee member Chrissie Forster-Worton (left) and her husband Maurice, 82, who has had two strokes.Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

"Looking after someone who has had a stroke can be quite difficult - some days are better than others and you just have to plod on and hope things will be okay," she explained. "Psychologically, you always have it in your head that the person you are caring for will have another stroke and, although everyone is different, having that camaraderie means you've got someone to talk to and you aren't sitting at home worrying."

Gerald Yarham, who lives at Holt, first attended a meeting 24 years ago, after having a stroke aged 48.

He said: "Afterwards, I literally couldn't do anything for myself, but being part of the group helped and I keep coming as I want to let other people see that you can get better."

Presenting the cheque to group chairman Harvey Pitcher, Sheringham Freemasons charity steward Jim Ramshaw said: "One of our colleagues suggested the stroke group and we are really happy to be able to offer our support to such a worthy cause.

Sheringham Stroke Support Group meets at Anchor Close day room, Cromer Road, fortnightly. For more information, email escottbea@gmail.com or phone 01263 512328.