A Warwickshire-based friendship group has donated just under £4,000 to a leading UK stroke charity.

Heart of England Oddfellows gifted £3,850 to the Stroke Association, which provides lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families.

Over the past 12 months, the group's members raised funds through cake sales, donations at coffee mornings and supper evenings, and two members took part in a sponsored 6.5 km walk.

A cheque was presented to Kathy Baxter, Stroke Association Support Co-ordinator, by the friendship group's Chairman, Keith Newton, during its annual lunch celebration on Sunday 8 March.

Speaking on the group's fundraising achievement, Newton shared: "I've known several people over the years who have had strokes, so I've witnessed first-hand how important the Stroke Association's work is.

"I'm very proud to hand this money over on the behalf of everyone at Heart of England Oddfellows. Thank you to those who donated and helped along the way."

In addition to charitable giving, Heart of England Oddfellows hosts a range of affordable and accessible events in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick, which are open to all. It has nearly 700 local members, most of whom are older adults.

The group hosts regular coffee mornings in each for those areas, and is inviting newcomers to join them at their upcoming talk about first aid and defibrillator use at Oddfellows Hall in Leamington Spa on Tuesday 14 April at 2pm, and lunch at the Windmill Inn in Leamington Spa on Thursday 16 April at 12pm.

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The society also organises around 60 online events every month which are free and open to anyone, including a monthly member-hosted online open day where people can find out more about the organisation.

Oddfellows members can also access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club, as well as take up opportunities to volunteer.

For more information about Heart of England Oddfellows and its activities, call Branch Secretary Sue Newton on 01926 424 112, email [email protected] or visit here.