After suffering a stroke at the age of 19, Colin Edward thought his dream of becoming a gardener was over.
Robbed of his mobility and memory, Colin could hardly write or draw and lost the use of most of the right side of his body.
But thanks to a small charity, Thrive, Colin managed to turn his life around.
Thrive helps disabled people rediscover movement and confidence through gardening, and has a garden in Battersea Park.
After two years working in the park’s garden Colin now has enough movement and co-ordination to use tools and even write a diary with his right hand.
When gardening he digs using his right foot and has even managed to weave willow into figures, which he then sells.
A Thrive spokesman said: “Colin was given the power and self-belief to rebuild his life. "We worked with him and helped him regain the use of his limbs, improve his memory, make new friends and interact with others. "These breakthroughs haven’t just improved Colin’s physical condition, they have given him renewed confidence about the future.”
Colin said: “I really value coming to Thrive, the progress I’ve made in my life and the new friends I have now.”
Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and the leading cause of severe disability.
More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by strokes, which happens to one person in the UK every five minutes.
To make a donation to Thrive or find out more about volunteering opportunities call 0118 988 5688 or visit thrive.org.uk.
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