Stroke victim George shows the art of rebuilding his life
AFTER a massive stroke left him paralysed down one side and unable to speak, George Glaves was determined to retain some quality of life.
In turning to art he has surprised and impressed to such an extent that he has been honoured at a ceremony in London.
George, aged 63, who had no previous experience of either painting or drawing, was one of the winners in the Life After Stroke Awards in recognition of his inspiration to others.
His wife Eileen, who accompanied him to the ceremony, said the stroke came ten years ago as George was being treated for a rare cancer near his brain stem. "He's been through the mill," she said.
"He was nearly at the end of treatment for the cancer when he had a major stroke. He can't speak and his right side is paralysed. He had to learn to paint with his left hand."
After spending five months in hospital and 18 months at the day rehabilitation unit at the Northern General Hospital, the former self-employed businessman used drawing as a way to practise using his left hand.
He has since produced hundreds of paintings and drawings, taking inspiration from pictures, photos or landscapes that he sees every day, especially animals. The avid Sheffield Wednesday supporter goes to an art group in Beck Road, Shiregreen.
"I have known him since he was 13 and I have never known him paint," said Elieen, who lives with George in Yew Lane, between Ecclesfield and Grenoside. "He has done it himself, looking at pictures and copying them. He's fantastic. I was very pleased he got the award and the recognition. He has been 100% positive all the time. He has really worked hard, as have all the other people who got awards."
George was presented with the Susie Hulks Memorial Award for Art by actor Graham Cole, who plays Tony Stamp in ITV's The Bill, at a ceremony also attended by TV presenter Adrian Chiles, Strictly Come Dancing duo Bruce Forsyth and Brendan Cole, Silent Witness' William Gaminara and businesswoman Karren Brady.
Lesley Clarke, communication support coordinator for The Stroke Association, who nominated George, said: "George has rebuilt his life through sheer determination and hard work. He has undertaken many hundreds of hours in rehabilitation and also working on his own. He's a complete inspiration to everyone he meets. He takes his disability in his stride and refuses to give in. He is always exceptionally cheerful."
Jon Barrick, chief executive at The Stroke Association, said: "Around one million people in the UK are living with the effects of stroke. The Life After Stroke Awards not only highlight how stroke can affect anyone at any age but also the impact the condition has on families, carers and health care professionals.
"All of the award winners have shown tremendous courage in rebuilding their lives after a stroke or in helping others to do the same."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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