Flour power: stroke survivor urges bakers to make charity dough

Sunday 30 September 2018

A local stroke survivor, who found that making cakes helped his recovery, is calling on islanders' flour power to raise dough for charity this month.

Father-of-two John Carlow (61) is supporting the the Jersey Stroke Association's 'Give a Hand and Bake Week' from 22 to 28 October 2018, which will see funds raised through cake sales across the UK - and he wants even more budding bakers to take part.

John had a stroke in June last year. He was celebrating his wife’s birthday when he suddenly collapsed. The stroke affected John's ability to speak (a condition known as aphasia) and left him with memory and cognitive problems.

He said: “My stroke was a huge shock, and really knocked me and my family. I was determined to not let my stroke stop me from living my life, though. I’ve always enjoyed baking, but since having a stroke baking has really been an important part of my recovery and well-being.

“Baking gives me the opportunity to be free: I get to experiment with bakes and all the time I’m in the kitchen, I’m using areas of my brain which have been hugely affected by my stroke."

Pictured: John shares his scrumptious cakes with the Stroke Association’s Peer Support Group.

Since his stroke, John has been taking part in the Stroke Association’s Peer Support Group where he often brings cakes. "I feel like the cakes are a bit of an ice-breaker in the group, especially when new members come along," he explains. Everyone enjoys cake, and once I’ve sliced the cake up and given it out, I can sense the group relaxing and opening up. It’s wonderful what my raspberry jam doughnuts can do"

“I’m no Paul Hollywood," John adds. "But I do get good reviews from everyone who tastes my bakes! For me, just seeing people enjoy what I bake is so special. I’m really excited for this year’s Stroke Association Give a Hand and Bake, I think I’ll make my favourite for our Peer Support Group, lemon posset!”

Tracy O’Regan, Fundraising and Operations Manager at the Stroke Association in Jersey, said the "Give a Hand and Bake Week" is a "fun and delicious way" to support the charity’s work. It  funds research into stroke treatment and care while supporting stroke survivors with their recovery. The charity also recently launched  an online tool called 'My Stroke Guide,' which provides round-the-clock advice, information and support for stroke survivors, their family and carers.

Video: 'My Stroke Guide' provides round-the-clock advice, information and support for stroke survivors, their family and carers.

Ms O'Regan added: “We’d love people in Jersey to bake up a storm with friends, family or colleagues for 'Give a Hand and Bake'. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, you prefer to bake brownies for the office or hosting afternoon tea for friends and family, there are lots of ways your baking can rise to the challenge.”