THE borough's first specialist stroke nurse has started work two years after the launch of a charity appeal to fund her position.
Helen Matheson's appointment to the stroke rehabilitation unit at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, ends the charity appeal launched by former Bexley mayor Councillor Ann Lucas in 2002.
Cllr Lucas' Keystroke appeal raised £18,400 towards the post, with the balance met by the NHS.
Raymond Burchell, 69, of Oakhurst Avenue, Bexleyheath, has been in hospital since his stroke at the beginning of August.
He said: "It is a difficult illness to cope with and I have had so much care and support from the staff on the stroke ward."
Cllr Lucas, who has family experience of strokes, said: "I hope the appeal has helped to make a good thing happen and I would like to thank everyone who contributed.
"It has taken a while but I am delighted we have found someone who is equipped to make a real difference to the lives of stroke patients."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article