A BELBROUGHTON woman has been awarded for the support she provides to local stroke survivors.

Brenda Harding began volunteering for the Stroke Association shortly after her partner John had a stroke.

She explained: "I became a carer overnight. John needed a great deal of support, particularly when he first came out of hospital.

"The local hospital services and the Stroke Association were both fantastic. John encouraged me to volunteer with the charity and I thought it was a great way to give something back."

Although John died last year after developing breathing problems, Brenda has continued to volunteer at the charity's Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove.

As a member of the fundraising committee, she is constantly coming up with new ways to boost funds and she also organises activity sessions for the local stroke community.

Claire Benfield, the charity's regional fundraiser, nominated Brenda for a Life After Stroke award to thank her for her hard work.

The awards recognise and celebrate the journeys, courage and determination of stroke survivors and their carers and recognise the compassion and commitment of people and organisations to rebuild lives that have been affected by stroke.

Claire said: “Brenda is a loyal member of our fundraising committee, attending every meeting and volunteering at all of its fundraising events. She's also thrown herself into the role of activity maker at the centre. She is a caring and compassionate person, and is a great asset to the Stroke Association.”

Brenda received a certificate at the awards ceremony at Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove on Thursday November 28.