A MUSICAN from Crewe who learnt how to play the baritone with her left hand following a stroke is urging people across the north west to back a national charity campaign.

From October 26 to November 1, the Stroke Association’s fundraising initiative, ‘Give a Hand’, will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use.

Heather Smyth, 54, enjoyed playing baritone in two brass bands, loving the atmosphere and playing to an audience.

But then she had a stroke in August 2013 which left her with weakness on the right side, and she was devastated when she could no longer play.

A second mild stroke in April this year also set Heather back further.

Heather said: “I was worried about how my future life would be if I couldn’t walk again or take part in the band which I loved so much. I missed the band and the camaraderie from being a part of it.

“The stroke had been such a shock and destroyed my confidence.”

Determined not to let the stroke stop her, Heather learnt to play the trombone, as she didn’t think she would be able to play the baritone again.

However, Heather then taught herself to play the baritone with her left hand. She now performs with Crewe Brass and Sandbach and District U3A, playing at concerts across the UK and Europe.

Louise Lawless, community and events fundraising manager at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands.

“Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.

“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand.

“By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Heather to conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ visit stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack.