WHO would have thought that simply using a colouring book could help bring back somebody’s speech 10 months after suffering a stroke.

But that’s exactly what has happened to Olive Howley, of Viney Hill, who suffered her third stroke within three years of her first in 2012.

It was during her fortnightly visit to friends Gordon and Kitty Jones in Huntley that she started the activity alongside Gordon, who has also survived a stroke.

He said: “For months Olive had limited speech and became so frustrated with not being able to communicate effectively – she would actually bang the table. She also lost the ability do all her favourite things such as needlework, gardening and baking.

“So one day while she was over our house I took her outside into my art studio and she used a colouring book. Not long afterwards she said ‘I’m enjoying this’ and ever since things have improved. She is even doing all her favourite things again.

“She’s absolutely delighted. Who knew the power of art?”

Gordon founded the Huntley Art Group in 2013 and says art gives sufferers a purpose and can help their mind to concentrate and focus on achieving the task in hand.

The 79-year-old suffered a stoke last August and lost his sense of balance coordination, mem-

ory and sight.

He said: “I am riding my motorbike again which was my main aim. I am hosting my first art therapy session on June 22 in partnership with Sarah Fotheringham, from the disability charity Connect.

“The two-hour session will be held at Mitcheldean Library and is open to stroke survivors as well as those who feel art could benefit their life in some way.

“Olive’s response to art was so astounding I can’t help but think there could be more people who could benefit from it too.

“If it is a success Sarah hopes to roll it out to help more people. Anybody who enjoys art will know how therapeutic and empowering it is. It really does help the mind to concentrate and focus on what you are doing and aiming to achieve. It is a very special thing. This is a fantastic example of how beneficial it is to the mind.”

Olive added: “Before I started doing art my speech wasn’t brilliant. I couldn’t get my words out – I knew what I wanted to say and would say something else.

“Now I have been concentrating on art and my colouring, I have managed to get my words back together and concentrate. It has been a tremendous help to me.

“I can now actually have a conversation with my family which is wonderful. I am still doing bits of art each day.”

The art session runs every Wednesday from 2pm-4pm. For more information call Gordon on 01452 831786.