A DEDICATED husband and wife team from Redditch have both been awarded a prestigious Life After Stroke award, from the Stroke Association.

Keith Upton was given the accolade in recognition of the care and support he provides for his wife Rita, while her certificate was for the amazing work she does volunteering for the charity.

Mrs Upton had a severe stroke in 2008, and lost all ability to move the left side of her body.

She underwent months of intensive physiotherapy to regain her independence, but she struggled to come to terms with her life as a stroke survivor.

Husband Keith said: “It was very clear that there was no way I could continue to run my own business and give Rita the care and support she needed at the same time, so I gave up my business, which I had been running for over 20 years.

"Life has changed enormously for us both since 2008, but I don’t regret becoming a full time carer at all – I’m lucky to be able to help Rita make such amazing progress with her recovery.”

Mrs Upton, who nominated her husband through the Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke awards, said: “Keith has been a huge support throughout my experience of stroke, and continues to be by my side every day.

"With his encouragement, I began volunteering at the Life After Stroke Centre in Bromsgrove, and it’s now such an important part of my life.

"Having Keith by my side, I know I can make it.”

The pair received their Highly Commended certificates from Michael Squire, general manager of the Hilton Bromsgrove at a special awards ceremony.

For more information about the Stroke Association, which offers a range of services for stroke survivors at its Life After Stroke Centre, call 01527 903903 or visit stroke.org.uk.