The drive is on to raise cash for stroke victims (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ilkley Stroke Club organiser to take part in a sponsored carriage drive

6:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Local news

The organiser of Ilkley Stroke Club is to take part in a sponsored carriage drive on April 7 in aid of The Stroke Association.
Joan Lawrence, who has run the Ilkley club for the last 12 years, has three small driving ponies and plans to take a pair of them, Shetland pony Cassie and Welsh pony Bob, for a 14 kilometre drive at Escrick Park, near York, with the regional driving trails group annual sponsored drive.
Although it is a considerable distance for such small ponies, they regularly train on the hilly roads around Halton East, and Mrs Lawrence is confident they will be able to complete the course.
She said: “The fact that I am able to drive out with my ponies in support of The Stroke Association that will benefit my many friends in Ilkley Stroke Club makes it a very special event for me.
“Along with a team of other volunteers, I really enjoy the monthly club meetings that are held at the Clarke Foley Centre.
“The members are outward looking and have a good sense of humour, which makes for very happy afternoons whilst still being able to share the challenges of coping with sudden disability,” she added.
To find out more information about Ilkley Stroke Club or to support the sponsored drive, you can contact Mrs Lawrence on (01943) 601459 or via e-mail  at joan.lawrence7@btinternet.com