A SELF-HELP group for stroke survivors and their carers has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

JIGSAW – Bolton Stroke Group – marked the occasion with a buffet lunch and a special cake at Christ Church, in Little Lever.

And a montage of photos featuring the various trips and events members have enjoyed since 2008, also brought back happy memories.

Suzanne Lomax MBE, who founded the group in 1992, was invited along as a special guest and had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake.

Other guests included past organisers Joan and Keith Armstrong, Gill Green from Forever Manchester and members of The Stroke Association.

Chairman Graham Bridge said the celebration was a chance for the group to thank all the people who have provided them with help support and grants to over the years, including Bolton CVS and Forever Manchester.

He said: “We got a cake, invited all these people to come and it turned out to be a very good do, much better than I expected. We invited people who had been involved in the past but I had no idea how many would be coming.”

The group, which began with just 15 members and now has around 100, aims to help stroke survivors regain confidence, improve their self-esteem and make new friends in a relaxed setting.

Mr Bridge added: “Survivors come with stories to tell, usually very lacking in confidence when they first get here then eventually they get their confidence back and it becomes a social group and everyone is the best of mates.”

JIGSAW (Joint-initiative Group for Stroke Awareness and Wellbeing) meets at Christ Church, in Mytham Road, Little Lever on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month between 1pm and 3pm.

For further information contact Lynn Bridge on 01204 387704 or visit jigsaw-bsg.org.uk