A CHARITY has bought three specially-designed wheelchairs for the stroke unit at Airedale Hospital.

The chairs, provided by the Friends of Airedale, give vital postural support to stroke victims who are struggling with their sitting balance.

Pam Beaumont, stroke specialist nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said the chairs would make a huge difference to patients.

She added: “Patients who have just had a large stroke lose their ability to sit up straight and need assisted sitting.

“These new chairs allow people to get off the ward and go outside into the gardens or to the coffee shop. They give patients that mobility back, which can be really important to them.”