One place where strokes are anything but forgotten, however, is at the Stevenson Centre, Great Cornard, where for three days a week the SAS club meets.

No, the centre has not become the headquarters for the Special Air Service, but it has become the meeting place for nearly 50 members of the Success after Stroke club.

The club, formed eight years ago, moved to the Stevenson Centre in March after out-growing its previous home at the Bridge Project, in Sudbury.

It provides physiotherapy sessions, speech therapy and computer lessons, among other things, for people recovering from a stroke.

But most importantly, according to volunteer Viv Bourne, it provides a place for stroke victims to socialise with one another and share experiences.

She said: "There is a wonderful feeling of friendship here among all the members. We were a bit worried that we would lose that when we moved to the bigger premises but it is still there as strong as ever.

"Having a stroke is an extremely devastating thing. People can lose their speech and the use of arms and legs. It changes your character.

"We are getting the word out to people about the effect of strokes, but there is still a long way to go.

"There are some people out there, I am sure, who have not been lucky enough to come across us yet."

The tight, almost family-like, unity found at the club is fostered in many ways. For example, recent sufferers of a stroke who show a willingness to join the club, are visited by a current member who then becomes their "friendly face" when they first attend a meeting.

Long-standing members also become tutors for certain subjects put on by the club, showing others what can be done with a little bit of dedication.

Mrs Bourne said: "It is important that they support each other and that's what they do.

"If someone is not here for a session then one of the other members will call them and ask if they are okay. It is that spirit that is so important to us."

One of the members turned teacher is Gillian Vant, from Sudbury, who teaches meditation.

She said: "The people here are absolutely fabulous. They all want to learn and to get on with their lives. I would not miss coming here for anything."

Another who has turned his hand to teaching is 60-year-old John Rose, from Boxford, who having never used a computer before his stroke now teaches IT to the rest of the group.

He said: "When I first joined the club I was someone who shied away from IT, but I plucked up courage and picked it up, and I haven't looked back since.

"I've now got a diploma in IT and I'm teaching others. I love it."
SAS, which became a charity last year, is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Friday mornings.

If anyone is interested in joining the club or wants to donate funds they should contact either Sue Taylor, on 01787 282621, or Penny Baker on 01206 265954.