This JustGiving page is managed by Chris Larkin of the Stroke Association on behalf of Richard and Shelley Creme.

Richard Creme used to run some of Manchester's most iconic fashion boutiques and clients ranged from Bruce Sprinsteen to David Beckham. Richard was part of the "spirit of Manchester" and many people growing up in the city remember him fondly, walking on King Street or outside his Bridge Street store.

Tragically in 2007 Richard suffered a massive stroke that changed everything. The stroke left Richard unable to speak and affected the right hand side of his body, forcing him to close the business that he loved.

Since that time Richard and his wife Shelley have had an incredibly challenging journey to rebuild their lives. When they were referred to the Stroke Association in Trafford they were struggling to see a way forward. Yet over time they have been able to build a network of support with people who understand what they are going through.

Richard has learnt to communicate in new ways, using gesture, drawing, tone and emotion to engage with people and express his thoughts. Throughout this time Richard has been supported to develop his incredible talent for art, learning to draw and paint with his left hand gives Richard an outlet for his relentless creativity, which has given him real hope for the future.

Richard and Shelley feel that the support that they received was vital in their recovery process and they want to raise awareness and support for the Stroke Association through the exhibition of Richard's work that is open to the public at Manchester Metropolitan University's Link Gallery in May (see poster).

The exhibition coincides with the launch of Action on Stroke month where the Stroke Association highlight the amazing recoveries that stroke survivors can make with the right level of understanding and support.