A HEARTRENDING story told by the widow of a stroke victim has scooped a £500 grant for a Bewdley-based charity.

Thelma James nominated the Stroke Club for the cash, put up by Tesco Express to mark the opening of the company's new store in Bewdley Hill, Kidderminster.

Readers of the Shuttle/Times and News were asked for nominations and Mrs James, of Wolverley Road, Franche, was invited to this week's opening ceremony at which the cheque was presented to Stroke Association family support organiser, Jeanette Baldwin.

Mrs James's husband, Ronald, suffered a stroke shortly after retiring and was left totally dependent on his wife ,who became his full-time carer at the age of 64.

They received no help and struggled day to day, feeling completely isolated until receiving a call, out of the blue, from Mrs Baldwin that changed their lives.

For the next four years, Ronald was picked up and taken to the Stroke Centre at Stourport one day a week.

"The group played games and quizzes, went out for meals and day trips and suddenly my husband and I had three hours of enjoyment each week," said Mrs James.

"I could go shopping, go to the hairdresser, visit friends - simple tasks and pleasures in life a full-time carer is unable to do and enjoy. I did not have to worry about him."

Her husband suffered several more strokes over the four years he was involved with the club and the unpaid carers visited him at home, bringing flowers, biscuits and kind messages to cheer him up.

Since Mr James died, Mrs Baldwin has started another stroke group in Bewdley, which is organised by the Stroke Association, to help people find friendship and information.

"The group is for people who have suffered a stroke but who still want to get out and about, try new things and meet new people," said Mrs Baldwin.

"This £500 donation from Tesco is a massive boost to us and I am sure the members will join me in my thanks to Tesco."