YOUNG stroke survivors in Swindon face losing a therapy service vital for their rehabilitation.

The Wiltshire Young Stroke Group says that it will be forced to stop its therapy services at the end of the month because of a funding crisis.

Up to 10 stroke survivors, all aged under 65, meet weekly for 30-minute sessions at the Lawn Community Centre with Stroud therapist Michael O'Hara.

Without the financial assistance of the charity, which pays for more than half the cost of the £20 sessions, many survivors won't be able to continue getting the therapy.

The scheme was set up with a Lottery grant, but it now needs £5,000 a year to keep it going.

Group co-chairwoman Pauline Turner said that the therapy sessions had helped steadily to improve the lives of survivors over the past seven years.

Without therapy, it is feared that the survivors will lose all the progress they have made.

"Everyone will go back to how they were when they first had the stroke," she said.

"The exercises help keep them supple, but more importantly it gives them confidence.

"They feel so much better about themselves and look forward to the sessions every week."

The group also provides an opportunity for survivors, their carers and family to meet others in a similar position.

"Having a stroke is a terrible thing for anyone of any age, but it's particularly hard for young people," Mrs Turner added.

"They can't do everyday things that the rest of us take for granted, people think they are stupid, but this could happen to anyone.

The group is waiting on a response from Zurich over a grant application.

"We're desperate for money," said Mrs Turner. "If we don't get any it'll have to stop at the end of the month," she added.

"We've been lucky in the past, but now we are really struggling."

If you can support the group call Mrs Turner on 0775 993 2209.

ONE Swindon survivor who has made remarkable progress is 31-year-old Natasha Thorne.

The entire left side of Mrs Thorne's body was paralysed by a stroke three years ago.

With the help of therapist Michael O'Hara, she has learned to walk again and regained some feeling in her left side.

Mr O'Hara, a former Liverpool reserves goalkeeper, has developed his own treatment, which focuses on improving the mobility of the arms and legs.

"It's not just about the physical aspects. He also focuses on mental strength, which has given me so much confidence," Mrs Thorne said.

"I don't want to think about what will happen if we don't get the funding because it's so important for me.

"If it does stop, then my arm use will suffer and the progress I've made will be lost."