Golfers raise thousands in memory of captain who suffered a stroke while fundraising for other survivors

Ann Wells had raised more than £1,000 for Stroke North East before she died suddenly in February 2018, just after her 70th birthday.

The former ladies captain of Blyth Golf Club had chosen the Sunderland-based organisation as her charity of the year in November 2017, in honour of her brother-in-law who was left wheelchair-bound by the condition.

But just a few months into her captaincy she suffered a stroke herself and sadly passed away.

The then vice captain and Ann’s close friend Susan Winslow, said: “It was a complete shock. She was so full of life. She always had a smile on her face and was always laughing.”

The 67-year-old added: “I’d only known her for a few years but you all become really close through the club, it’s a tight-knit community.”

Members of the club decided to carry on fundraising for Stroke North East in Ann’s memory, raising an additional £1,850 through charity events and sponsored rounds of golf.

“Everyone was really keen to carry on in memory of Ann,” said Susan.

“I think she’d be really pleased. Every time I do anything I think ‘this is for you Ann’.”

Stroke North East organises free days out for stroke survivors in the region to help them connect with others who have gone through the same thing.

Alan Hewitt, who runs the charity with his wife Julie, said: “When you’ve had a stroke the impact is phenomenal, there’s so many different ways it can affect your life. We offer an opportunity to meet people who have had similar experiences and to get back into the community.

“The huge benefit of donations like this is that we can offer the service without having to charge people and excluding those who can’t afford it.”

Julie added: “Sadly Ann did not live to see the results of her labours, but we are so immensely grateful to her and all the Blyth golf club members for their sterling efforts.”

Visit Stroke North East for more information.