Bristol charity runs netball club for stroke survivors

It is hoped the sessions can become a regular part of stroke recovery activities

A charity has successfully set up a walking netball club for stroke survivors.

Bristol After Stroke has been running the 11-week pilot scheme, funded by the West of England Sport Trust (Wesport).

The pilot has been deemed a success - and two of the players will receive training from Netball England to carry the sessions on in future.

It means walking netball will be a regular part of the work carried out by Bristol After Stroke.

The idea of introducing walking netball is to allow people who are in recovery, or may have low confidence after a stroke, to socialise and play in an understanding environment, the charity said.

Lucy Stockall from Bristol After Stroke said netball is one of many ways the charity helps people recover

Lucy Stockall, from Bristol After Stroke, told BBC Radio Bristol that doing exercise after suffering a stroke can be "difficult" for some people.

"There can be mobility and accessibility issues, people get fatigue, and confidence issues," she said.

"As a charity this is just one of several ways we help people recover from stroke."

She added: "Sport is great for bringing people together and helping them recover and get stronger."

The sessions are aimed at enabling people to play in a relaxed atmosphere

The walking netball group was founded by Alison Cook, who suffered a stroke eight years ago.

"Last year when walking football was really popular, I contacted someone I knew at England Netball and asked whether it might be possible to set something up for stroke-affected people," she said.

"They said yes - and it went from there."

She added: "It's less fast-paced, so it's a bit easier to take part."