THREATENED stroke support services in Grange-over-Sands and Barrow have been saved thanks to the campaigning efforts of carers and supporters.

The support services, which help South Cumbrian stroke victims to communicate, were threatened with closure by the NHS clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), who said it could no longer provide funding.

Unhappy with the potential closures, carers and users of the services appealed to district and county councillors, as well as national government.

As a result, the decision to close the services has been overturned, and funding will continue to be provided for the next year.

Ulverston resident Jean Wilkinson, who cares for her husband and former SLDC councillor Brian and was involved in the campaign, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that they changed their minds.

"When my husband came home and told me about the planned closures he said that two or three of the people at the Barrow group had been in tears about it.

"What incensed me even more was that I found out it was just the South Lakes and Furness services that were closing. I know the phrase gets banded about a lot but this really was a postcode lottery."

The services provided by the groups - which are run by the Stroke Association - meet on a regular basis to provide support for 45 stroke sufferers with aphasia and 16 carers.

Aphasia is a combination of a speech and language disorder caused by damage to the brain. It is common among stroke victims.

"The groups are vital to the recovery process," said Jean. "I find when I get home from work that Brian's speech is better on the days where he goes to his group.

"Brian never misses group unless he is unwell or we are on holiday. It is very relaxing for stroke sufferers to be in a group of similar people and under nor pressure to to speak quickly."

Jean, 54, has been caring for Brian for seven years since he had his stroke aged 65.

Chris Larkin, Regional Director at the Stroke Association in the North West, said: "“We are delighted that NHS Cumbria CCG is able to continue funding for the Stroke Association’s communication support service across South Cumbria.

"Specialist long-term support for people with aphasia is vital. For many people in South Cumbria who have been robbed of their ability to communicate following a stroke, this is a much-needed service which allows their voices to be heard."