STROKE survivors and health professionals came together at York House in Twickenham recently for the eighth annual conference of the national charity Different Strokes.

The event was hosted by the Richmond branch with support from the Rugby Football Union.

The organisers say it was extremely successful, with about 100 people present.

After the trustees' report, there were sessions on the benefits of regular exercise, counselling referrals, a medical update provided by a consultant from Charing Cross Hospital and a leading barrister speaking on disability issues. The author Sheila Hale also spoke about her book The man who lost his language' which details her late husband's experiences after his stroke.

About 10,000 people under the age of 55 have a stroke each year and Different Strokes specifically supports younger stoke survivors and provides help and advice. Different Strokes has over 30 exercise groups around the country and the numbers are increasing rapidly.

The Richmond group meet at the Cedars gym at the Richmond Hill Hotel every Sunday at 4.15pm. There is no charge to stroke survivors. For more information, contact Different Strokes Head Office on 0845 130 7172.