A WORCESTER rower who conquered the Atlantic and then suffered a stroke needs help from green-fingered residents tomorrow.

Richard Wood was the 24th person to row across the ocean in 2004, but in 2006 he lost the use of the left side of his body after a stroke.

Mr Wood, who used to live in Northwick Avenue, Barbourne, received support from the brain injury charity Headway and continues to get vital help after moving to supported housing at Dickinson Court in Wordsworth Avenue, Barbourne, earlier this year.

The complex, run by Nexus Housing, is home to people with some form of brain injury.

However, with the recent dry, sunny weather the communal garden areas and the banks of the Barbourne brook which run through the grounds need tending and Mr Wood has launched an appeal for public help.

The appeal is part of Headway’s Action For Brain Injury Week later this month.

Mr Wood said: “Headway have all their support workers here and Nexus are sending volunteers but we need people equipped with tools to come and help us for a few hours.

“If there’s a garden designer who can come and help, or garden centres which can provide a few flowers or shrubs, that would be ideal. The banks of the brook could also do with clearing.”

Pizza Hut has agreed to supply food during the day, with all the work planned to happen between 9.30am and 3pm.

Mr Wood said brain injuries affected different people in different ways, but that in his case he had lost the use of his left arm, hand and leg and had to walk with a stick.

The 54-year-old has not allowed his problems to get in the way of his determination to succeed and, as a youth worker for Worcestershire County Council, he set up Youth Comm service radio station.

However, he was made redundant in February because of public sector spending cuts.

To lend a hand, e-mail Mr Wood at richmessages@live.com or call 01905 863198.