The Kirkby walking group giving stroke survivors a 'lifeline'

Stroke survivor John Collins says the group was "so important" for their rehabilitation

A new stoke rehabilitation walking group has been hailed a "life saver" by some members.

The Walk 2 Health group was set up as a pilot scheme by Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The community therapy team said ten months on and it was not only boosting patients' physical strength but also their mental wellbeing.

Member Mavis Monaghan said her "world came crashing in" when she had a stroke but the group has been a "lifeline".

"It was horrible," she said.

The 79-year-old had a stroke in September and joined the group in October.

The group go on weekly walks in a park in Kirkby

"Without this I wouldn't be getting out. It is a lifeline and I do look forward to coming."

She said she loved the friendships she had made and the banter they enjoyed which had helped build her confidence back up.

Another stroke survivor, John Collins, said everyone at the group was in the same position and all helped each other.

The 77-year-old said it was "so important" to their rehabilitation.

"We all understand each other and that's a big thing to be part of."

"It's given me confidence to go out running again.

"Everybody's improving - you can see that."

The group has helped build confidence back up after her stroke, says Mavis Monaghan

On average patients walk 2,600 steps in the weekly session in Kirkby, Merseyside, which equates to about 1.7km (1 mile) and members said they can really feel the benefits.

Louise Jackson, lead physiotherapist of the project, said the group had gone from strength to strength.

"We underestimated the mood and the wellbeing side of it.

"When we set it up as a physical activity we talked about physio and physical activity but the psychological impact has been really beneficial."

She added it had really boosted the wellbeing of members.

After the walk, members go to a cafe for coffee, cake and a quiz to also keep their brains active which was also helping their stroke rehabilitation, Ms Jackson added.