When David Loft suffered two strokes in simply 18 months he thought his life was all however over.

But regardless of being left laborious of listening to and 60 % blind, musical remedy with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has given the 67-year-old “something to look forward to – something to aim for”.

Strokestra brings collectively stroke survivors and world-class skilled musicians.

They participate in a variety of actions to maximise the social, emotional, cognitive, bodily and communication advantages of music.

Organised by the RPO and Hull & East Riding Community Stroke Services, it was piloted in 2015.

Although it's not a medical programme, the pilot confirmed 86 % of sufferers skilled some aid of incapacity signs, citing improved sleeping, decreased anxiousness, fewer dizzy spells and decreased epilepsy signs.

Meanwhile, 91 % noticed social advantages comparable to improved relationships and communication expertise; and 86 % stated that they skilled emotional advantages like elevated confidence.

David stated: “When you have a stroke you feel dead, really. It turns your life upside down.

“I used to go to the gym at least twice a week, I had a busy job and we used to go for walks as a family. I would never sit still. I was always out and about. Everything stopped.”

With the help of his spouse Marie, 66, David signed up for the Strokestra programme in Hull.

He stated: “When you have the chance to do some music it gives you something to aim for. If it wasn’t for that I would be sat about.

“We play instruments but we’re in a group, which is a great feeling for people in my situation. There is a lot of laughter, a lot of enjoyment.

“We’re not musicians, we can’t read music. It’s a case of strumming and tapping along. I get such a buzz – I feel like I haven’t had a stroke.”

Strokestra volunteer and RPO violinist Sali-Wyn Ryan, 45, stated: “You can see the day-to-day benefits, the cognitive benefits for people.

“You notice the little, and sometimes big, changes. There are physical benefits too – people are doing things they didn’t realise they could.”

Josh Cirtina, a 28-year-old bass trombone participant with the RPO, added: “It is an incredible thing to be a part of. A lot of musicians at the RPO are desperate to be involved – there is a waiting list.

“It is amazing to see the way music can change people.”