A KEEN knitter from Worcester who has only limited movement in her right arm and hand following a stroke has not let that keep her from her favourite hobby.

Norma Humphries was keen to pick her knitting needles as soon as possible after her stroke in 2009, but found it difficult to find aids to help her knit one-handed.

But thanks to the help of the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Centre the 75-year-old has been able to knit and pearl with the best of them.

Now she is joining a host of fellow knitters at the centre in Bromsgrove to create a giant tea cosy as part of the Sip for Stroke event on Thursday, March 19.

Mrs Humphries, who previously worked for knitting pattern company Hayfields, said she had been determined not to let her stroke keep her from doing what she loved.

“After knitting my first one-handed square I felt absolutely amazed that I could still do it,” she said. “It was so marvellous seeing everybody knitting at the Life After Stroke Centre.

“I think that the tea cosy is going to represent a wonderful achievement.

“I’m always amazed by the sheer determination from the group at the Life After Stroke Centre – despite the difficulties, there are always ways that we work together to conquer stroke.”

As part of next month’s event the Stroke Association is calling on knitters to submit a four-inch square knitted one-handed to form part of the giant tea cosy.

Life After Stroke Centre coordinator Johanne Hughes said she hoped as many people as possible would pick up their knitting needles to help out with the event.

“Our Sip for Stroke events are a fantastic chance to catch up with friends and raise funds to help change the lives of people affected by stroke,” she said.

“We have been amazed by the wonderful stroke survivors and volunteers who have already made a great start to the tea cosy, but we’re going to still need a lot more help.”

Someone in the UK suffers a stroke every three and half minutes. Although most people affected are over 65 anyone can have a stroke at any age.

Anyone who would like to take part can submit a one-handed knitted square to the Life After Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, B61 8RA.

For more information call 01527 903 718 or email Johanne.Hughes@stroke.org.uk.