A cheque for £600 has been presented to the stroke team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital from two former patients who were treated on the unit.

Lindsay Dowding, who was a nurse at the N&N for 13 years, suffered a stroke two years ago while her friend Lynn Rutherford also had a stroke the following year.

Two years on, Lindsay wrote a book, ‘Charlie the Horse, Owl and the Planning Application’, which was illustrated by Lynn and with 50% of the proceeds going to the N&N Hospitals Charity for the stroke unit which was handed over this week.

Set in the village of Spooner Row, near Wymondham, the book tells the story of the animals who live in the village and how housing developments, taking over the surrounding fields affect the lives of some of the endangered species living there.

While researching the book, Lindsay discovered that the real-life horse Charlie belonged to Darren and Mel Walker, who both also work at the N&N.

Lindsay who now lives on Yell in Shetland and was unable to attend the cheque handover but was represented by her sister, along with Lynn, Mel and their friends and publisher.

Stroke Matron Kate Holvey, Consultant Stroke Physician Chit Hmu, who treated both Lindsay and Lynn, and other members of the stroke unit thanked Lynn and Lindsay for their support.