Inspirational members of the Phoenix Stroke Club have written and recorded their own song about life at the club. The Onwards and Upwards Group meet every Thursday to rebuild their confidence and communication skills. This is the latest project for the group to complete. Over the last couple of years, they have raised over £4,500 by organising sponsored walks, quiz and karaoke nights as well as writing and performing Christmas pantomimes.
The song was written by volunteer Mark Davies and the moving words by stroke survivor Daryl Gayler which captures their experiences and camaraderie. In May a small group of musicians came together to record the backing track, including Raul D’Oliveira and Paul Riseley who were both professional musicians and now members of the club following their strokes. Over the following weeks the Onwards and Upwards Group have been practising singing to the backing track. On 29 August everyone attended QM Studio in Horsham to record the song, where they were also filmed and then featured on ITV Meridian News.
Members of the Onwards and Upwards Group admit that before their strokes they may not have been friends as they led very different lives. Having a stroke changes everything in an instance and they find a huge amount of support and friendship from fellow members.
Rachel Dennis used to work in NHS blood donation before having three strokes a year ago. ‘Before I joined Phoenix Stroke Club I had very low confidence and most people don’t understand what you are going through. I love it here. People have given me such support and I have made good friends. I feel normal here and now I smile and laugh’.
George Osgerby added; ‘One of the good things of having a bleed on the brain is that I now know these wonderful people. I have done things I would never have done before such as singing a rap, performing in a pantomime and singing at our karaoke night. I’m even planning what I am going to sing at the next karaoke night.’
’
