GREEN-FINGERED volunteers have helped spruce up a charity’s walk-in centre.

A team from EDF Energy’s Healping Hands scheme visited The Clarke Lister Feel Good Centre in Seaham to work on the gardens and grounds.

The centre offers advice and activities for people who have suffered a brain haemorrhage or stroke, or other long-term illnesses such as Parkinsons or Multiple Sclerosis.

It was set up by Carole Lister, who founded the Clarke Lister Brain Haemorrhage Foundation in 1996 following the death of her 10-year-old son.

Carole Lister, from Peterlee, said: “The EDF Energy Helping Hands have done a great job in our offices and gardens.

“We want to make this the best environment for those who need it most, and the volunteers have certainly helped us get one step closer to achieving that.

“We still have many jobs to do to make the centre reach its vision, but being offered help in this way is so rewarding.

“We are now open for business and have many activities planned, for all to enjoy.

“On Tuesdays we have a special day from 10.30am – 3pm offering breakfast, lunch and activities.

“We plan to extend this day to a Thursday as our numbers are increasing every week.

“We will provide other exercise classes, entertainment days and much more for our service users. We also have a long term plan to expand and build a gym.”

Shirley Hann, Helping Hands team leader with EDF Energy said: “I have tried to support the Clarke Lister Foundation as much as possible since my husband suddenly passed away five years ago of a brain haemorrhage.

“I know first-hand how devastating it can be for sufferers and their families, so I suggested that the EDF Energy Helping Hands give them the extra help they needed at the centre.

“I can’t wait to see the finished result and to see the service users enjoy their new environment.”