A decade on from its formation, the Chandler's Ford stroke support group still offers vital aid to stroke victims.

Starting in 2014 by Chandlers Ford and Itchen Valley Rotary with funds raised from Longstock Park Water Garden's entrance fees and a matching grant from Rotary International, the initiative kickstarted a partnership between Rotary GB and Ireland and the Stroke Association in 2016.

The collaboration sparked the nationwide ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’ campaign to educate the public about the high blood pressure-stroke connection. MP Steve Brine, a staunch supporter since the onset, joined group chair, Mrs Pauline Marocco, and other members at the Dovetail Centre to commemorate the group's tenth anniversary.

Mr Brine MP said: "Pauline and the team of volunteers who run this group are doing God's work and you couldn't meet a nicer group of people.

"They've helped so many people in so many ways; I am blown away by what they've achieved.

"Stroke support is about caregiving and speech & language services - and they do all of that - but it's also about simply being there and help rebuild peoples' confidence after an event."

The support group gathers every other Thursday from 2-4pm at the Dovetail Centre.