Meet the Macclesfield stroke charity celebrating their 20th anniversary
MADYSS started 20 years ago at a small lunch at The Flower Pot pub on Congleton Road, in association with the local Stroke Association branch.
By Alex Greensmith
Posted: Thursday, 16th May 2024 3:07 pm
Meet the Macclesfield charity which is being backed by local supermarkets this year.
Macclesfield and District Young Stroke Society (MADYSS) is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.
Established in 2004, the charity is to receive a big financial boost in their milestone celebratory year thanks to the Co-op.
The charity is for people who have been affected by a stroke. They share experiences, learn from one another and enjoy a range of monthly social activities that help everyone discover that there is 'life after stroke'.
The good cause welcomes members from all over Cheshire, and are delighted to partner with the Co-op this year to raise awareness and funds for their group.
Macclesfield Nub News went to meet MADYSS at their 17th annual general meeting held at Macclesfield Tennis Club, in which over 40 members attended.
MADYSS started 20 years ago at a small lunch at The Flower Pot pub on Congleton Road, in association with the local Stroke Association Recovery branch office based in Macclesfield Hospital. They still meet at the same pub, every month, to this day.
Treasurer Judy Fleming was the one who applied for the Co-op Local Community Fund form (which will reopen in Macclesfield in the coming months).
"In June last year I submitted the online forms to the Co-op Community Fund to promote MADYSS as a worthy society that helps to improve member's mental wellbeing after surviving sometimes life changing strokes," she said.
"The committee were delighted when we heard in October that the application was successful. Thank you for selecting us."
Judy was impressed with communication from the Co-op, even before they were officially selected as one of eight Macclesfield causes the Co-op will donate thousands of pounds to this year.
This was because the Co-op got in touch with her after Judy started the form, but didn't complete it just yet. It was worth it then, following the prompt, as MADYSS was selected and has already received funds six months on from the announcement of their Local Community Fund confirmation.
"Thank you for the very generous donation of £1,176.16 that MADYSS recently received," added Judy.
"It is very welcome and will help towards the subsidies MADYSS makes to each of the events, and particularly when we hire the specially adapted coaches which are extremely expensive."
MADYSS are very grateful for the support of Co-op members and the Co-op itself.
"MADYSS was developed from The Stroke Association's Family Support Unit at Macclesfield Hospital by a group of younger stroke survivors and their carers from within the borough of Macclesfield and its districts," said Chairman John Swindell.
"Our aim is to support both the stroke survivors and their carers by holding informal monthly meetings and social évents.
"Each stroke and each individual's response to their new circumstances are unique and the journey back to optimum health is often exceedingly difficult.
"However, with the right attitude and motivation, together with a fun environment and support from others who know the challenges and frustrations, we believe rehabilitation as possible.
"MADYSS is open to any stroke survivor and carer who are looking to become part of a supportive community."
John has spent the past two years as chair, and is supported on the committee by his partner Anne.
"Thank you to the Co-op for their support", added Administrative Secretary Anne Swindell.
Upcoming events include Coffee Morning, Gawsworth Methodist Hall, Thursday, 30 May 10.00 – 11.30 am, and a trip to Llandudno on June 24.
MADYSS also supports the local economy. The group has lots of day trips to nearby places like Jodrell Bank, Sutton Hall, The Viceroy in Bollington, The Plough Inn in Eaton, and High Legh Garden Centre.
Beyond Macclesfield's Co-op stores, local supporters include The Poachers Inn in Bollington, where they regularly host a fundraising quiz. And indeed, all of this is in addition to their monthly meeting at The Flower Pot, held on the second Monday of every month.
According to The Stoke Association, which the group is affiliated with, one Brit has a stroke every five minutes.
100,000 people in the country have strokes each year. And there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK.
While the group was founded by young stroke survivors, it is open to stroke survivors of any age.
According to GOV.UK stats, 3% of the total estimated stroke incidence occurred in people aged under 40, 38% in people aged 40 to 69 and 59% in people aged over 70.
Strokes can affect anyone at any age. The amount of people under 60 having strokes is on the rise, according to The Stroke Association.
But with groups like MADYSS and the support they provide to stroke survivors and their families, they turn a negative into a positive.
Co-op Member Pioneer Louise Little, speaking on behalf of the Co-op, is delighted to support MADYSS.
"MADYSS are a wonderful organisation supporting stroke survivors and their families in Macclesfield and providing friendship, advice and social activities to those families", she said.
"Co-op are delighted to have MADYSS as one of their local causes, this was their first time being selected and we can see that the funds raised will be put to good use in supporting activities and trips for those impacted by strokes.
"Co-op members can choose MADYSS as their local cause to help them raise further funds over the next six months."
Already, the Co-op has pledged a large amount of funds to MADYSS, with a second bumper of fundraising set to be donated this November. Should you wish to join MADYSS, or want to arrange for someone that could, please head HERE to contact them.
Co-op customers can become a member for just £1. They can save money on rewards, receive offers on their cards, and earn money for their community with cracking causes just like MADYSS.
Please click HERE to become a Co-op member for just £1.
To find more about the Co-op Local Community Fund, please click HERE.
Since it started in 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund, has donated over £107 million to 36,000 causes across the country.
Just last year, the Local Community Fund donated £24,834 to Macclesfield good causes.
£8000 has already been donated so far this year. Click HERE to become a Co-op member.
The Co-op are sponsors of Macclesfield Nub News. Check out what old they are doing in the community on their Nub News Noticeboard.
Share:
