A north Norfolk support group has received a boost, thanks to a six-strong team of exercise enthusiasts, who completed a three-hour sponsored Pilates-a-thon.

North Norfolk News: Sheringham Stroke Support Group member Keith Wills, with volunteer Patsy Lawson. Photo: KAREN BETHELLSheringham Stroke Support Group member Keith Wills, with volunteer Patsy Lawson. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The event, which was organised by Sally King and Anita Lusher of North Norfolk Coastal Fitness, raised £350 for Sheringham Stroke Support Group, which meets fortnightly at Anchor Close sheltered housing complex, on Cromer Road.

Founded more than 30 years ago by local woman Rosemary Klein, the group, which is affiliated to the Stroke Association, runs an exercise and entertainment programme for people who have been affected by stroke and their carers.

North Norfolk News: North Norfolk Coastal Fitness founder Sally King puts members of Sheringham Stroke Support Group through their paces in a seated exercise session. Photo: KAREN BETHELLNorth Norfolk Coastal Fitness founder Sally King puts members of Sheringham Stroke Support Group through their paces in a seated exercise session. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Harvey Pitcher, who took over as chairman in 2012, said the group, which provides a door-to-door taxi service to people who struggle to use public transport, aimed to offer practical and emotional support.

'Often, the most difficult part of recovery takes place after stroke sufferers have been discharged from hospital and need to rebuild their lives with severely impaired faculties,' he said. 'We offer a friendly, sociable environment and, because we are the only group in an area between Norwich and King's Lynn, there is a real need.'

Former Eastern Daily Press press machine manager Keith Wills, who lives at Little Snoring, near Fakenham, began attending meetings after a stroke affected his peripheral vision, forcing him to give up driving.

Mr Wills, 80, who is a former member of the Long Distance Walkers Association, also found himself unable to walk more than a few hundred metres.

'I really enjoy going, it is a great social group, it gets me out and about and it is somewhere you can chat to people and meet others who have had a similar experience,' he said.

Thanking Ms King and Ms Lusher, who run regular seated exercise sessions for the group, Mr Pitcher said the cash raised would go towards social activities.

He added: 'We are very grateful to North Norfolk Coastal Fitness for their hard work as we are financially self-supporting and donations like this make a big difference.'

Sheringham Stroke Support Group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays from 2.15pm-3.45pm at Anchor Close communal day room, Sheringham. New members are welcome, for more information, phone 01263 663872 or email: harveyjpitcher@gmail.com