Ref. 71742-56STROKE victims who have been receiving therapy from a former Liverpool goalkeeper say his treatment has changed their lives.

Sufferers who previously couldn't wash their hair are now able to do so and one man, who had lost all feeling in the right side of his body, can now kick a ball.

But the news isn't all good. The Wiltshire Stroke Group had a £5,000 Lottery grant to kickstart the treatment given by ex-footballer Michael O'Hara, but the funds are starting to dry up.

Pauline Turner, a spokeswoman for the group, said: "Michael's treatment has been amazing. The only problem we have now is finding the funding to keep him on. We're appealing to local people and businesses to help us out.

"The group has made some serious improvements with his help.

"Most of them could not do anything at all before Michael came along. He works on the whole person and makes them feel so much better about themselves."

Thirteen members of the group receive treatment from Michael every Thursday at the Lawn Community Centre for half an hour each. The sessions cost £20 and as many of the stroke victims can not work and rely on benefits, the stroke group foots the bill.

One of Michael's patients is Pauline's partner Ken Garrett, 51, who suffered a stroke when he was 40.

As a result, he lost all feeling in his right side and had not been able to move his right arm for 11 years until he signed up for Michael's treatment.

He said: "It's been amazing a real breakthrough. I can even kick a tennis ball now, which is something I could never have dreamed of doing before."

Another patient also astounded by her progress is Natasha Thorne, 28, who suffered a stroke a year ago. She has now regained feeling in her hands.

She said: "I can now do simple things which so many people take for granted, like buttering bread, brushing my hair and stroking my dog. It's not just the physical side. He's told me there's no such word as 'can't' and I believe that now. I'm more confident in myself."

Michael, who played in goal for Liverpool reserves in the 1980s, believes it is important to treat body and mind, which he says is something hospital consultants and GPs don't do often enough.

He worked for the National Rehabilitation Centre For The Paralysed for nine years and is now a freelance therapist.

He uses his own treatment, the O'Hara technique, which focuses on improving mobility of the arms and legs, and is a great believer in mental strength. He said: "That is very important. People take it as read that they won't walk again if a GP tells them that when, in actual fact, it doesn't have to be that way."

l If you can help the Wiltshire Stroke Group with funding call 07759 932209

If you are interested in the O'Hara treatment, call Michael on 01453 839253

Emma-Kate Lidbury