A YOUNG stroke victim from Accrington is to travel to Germany for intensive rehabilitation sessions at a specialist clinic, thanks to funds raised by friends and supporters.

Twenty-two-year-old Jenny Broome lost most of her movement when she suffered the stroke in the summer of 2000. It left her quadriplegic and in need of constant care. Jenny will be treated at the Schmeider Centre in Konstanz, near the Swiss border. The clinic is a specialist rehabilitation centre which her husband, graphic designer Aaron, heard of through a friend.

Aaron will stay for two weeks and Jenny for a further four. A private nurse will accompany her when Aaron returns to their Accrington home. The six-week stay is costing the couple around £24,000 -- which has been raised through fundraising events by friends and family. Donations included one from Blackburn's Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, where Jenny's sister, Alison Ravenhill, is a teacher. Staff and pupils raised £711.

Jenny had been at the Rakehead Rehabilitation Centre at Burnley General Hospital since her stroke. But Aaron, although grateful to the staff at Burnley, said the German centre offers the best help possible.

He said: "Jenny is really looking forward to it. They have made no promises as to how she will improve, but we are going to give it a go. You have to try, otherwise you would regret not going."

Aaron said Jenny will take part in intensive sessions four times a day. The hope is to improve her movement, which was severely restricted by the stroke. After the six weeks her condition will be assessed and there may be plans to return.

Aaron said: "We are not expecting anything really, which is the best way to go into this."

The couple fought a lengthy battle with Hyndburn Council to have their home adapted so he could bring his wife home from the Burnley centre. Work is almost complete and Aaron said it has made the world of difference to Jenny.

He said: "Jenny loves being home. There is a hoist which helps her up the stairs and into bed and gives her a little bit of independence. We can't thank the council or the builders involved enough."