A WOMAN who lost all her language skills after a stroke is breathing a new lease of life into old furniture.

Cath Goodwin, aged 60, uses her artistic skills to rejuvenate furniture donated to St Ann's Hospice charity shop in Little Hulton, where she is manager, upcycling tables, pictures and mirrors.

Proceeds from sales go to providing vital care for patients.

She only discovered her artistic talents after suffering a stroke, which she says she is now recovering well from.

Ms Goodwin, of Walkden, explained: "I lost all my language skills when I had a stroke and couldn't do the simplest crossword.

"Someone suggested I went to art class and I suddenly found that I was quite good at painting and discovered an alternative way to be creative.

"I strip, paint and varnish items applying decoupage paper to the surface to renovate the furniture. I do it all in my spare time at home and have sold quite a few items, raising money for St Ann's."

Ms Goodwin started her career as a nurse in the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital's intensive care unit in Pendlebury, before becoming matron at The Maples specialist unit attached to Salford Royal Hospital.

She has also been a lecturer in English literature at Bolton University, where she had studied, gaining a first class degree.

Ms Goodwin is now asking for more unloved items to apply her talents to and raise vital funds for St Ann's.

St Ann's Hospice provides care and support to people affected by life-limiting illnesses, but relies on the generosity of local people to do so, needing to raise £16,000 each day.

Ms Goodwin said: "I'd ask anyone to get in touch with the shop if they have any small item of furniture that they want to donate and they'd be helping the hospice."