THE chairman of a support group for stroke sufferers has spoken of her joy at receiving an early and unexpected Christmas present.

Evesham Stroke Support Group was picked from hundreds of worthy causes to receive a £500 grant from the Gannett Foundation - the American parent company of Newsquest, which publishes the Journal.

Group chairman Margaret Whitefield, who received the donation from Journal editor John Murphy on Tuesday, said she was “speechless”.

“It’s an early Christmas present for all of us,” she said. “It’s fantastic. The money will make a real difference for our members. I can’t wait to see them at the next meeting. Thank you so very very much to the whole of the Journal staff.”

Mr Murphy added: “I am delighted to demonstrate the Evesham Journal's commitment to the community. This money comes from our charitable trust and the project competed with applications from all over the country. The grant couldn’t have gone to a better cause. ”

The group was founded three years ago; funded and managed by the Stroke Association.

Mrs Whitefield said the support it offered to the group’s 30 members and their carers was invaluable.

The grant was awarded for the group to get transport and buy tickets to a pantomime.

4 Margaret Whitefield, of Evesham Stroke Support Group, receives a cheque for £500 from Journal editor John Murphy. 47nov100771. Picture by BEN DALBY.