Disco to raise funds for Dawn (From The Oxford Times)

Disco to raise funds for Dawn

5:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

FOR stroke-survivor Dawn Belprez, day-to-day life is so difficult that she needs her husband’s help just to take a shower.

But that could be about to change thanks to a fundraising effort by Abingdon’s Stroke Club UK, which has been going just three months.

Created by Gary Gill, 47, from Abingdon, who himself suffered a life-altering stroke la year ago, the members meet up every two weeks, go the pub and have a good time. Mr Gill said: “As a stroke sufferer, you find that often people override you when you can’t think what to say, or they will finish your sentences, but we don’t do that.

“Our meetings are not structured, we have a pint and tell each other about our weeks. Everyone there looks forward to it.”

Next week, on Good Friday, the club is putting on 1980s-themed disco on to raise money towards a wet room for mum-of-two Mrs Belprez.

A teaching assistant at Stanford-in-the-Vale Primary School for nine years, Mrs Belprez did not drink or smoke, and there were no warning signs of her stroke. Then, two years ago in April just before her 40th birthday, a massive attack changed her life. Her husband David Belprez, 51, said: “It changed all our lives. We have been on the road to recovery ever since.”

The disco is due to take place at Abingdon United Football Club on Northcourt Road from 8pm. For tickets, which are £10 in advance, call Gary Gill on 07875577654. For more information go to strokeclub.org