Four years ago, Harry Preston suffered a stroke that left him unable to care for himself. Today, at 96 he inspires others as an active participant in many of the creative arts therapies offered at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
A veteran of the Second World War, Harry joined the 15th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery and served with the second division throughout the European campaign.
The stroke he suffered caused some brain damage and left Harry in a wheelchair. His children offered to care for him but in the end they decided that he would get better care at Sunnybrook.
Initially, Harry did not want to take part in any of the activities that were offered to him. With encouragement he started to take part in art therapy, working mostly in the photography studio.
“The art therapy was instrumental in starting me on the path to wellness — that and the excellent medical care that I received. After that first year, I left the wheelchair behind and have been able to get around with a walker,” Harry says.
Now Harry takes advantage of the numerous therapies that Sunnybrook has to offer — woodwork, music, gardening and the visual arts.
He especially enjoys working with art therapist Lorrie Clarke, creating glass fusion. All of his six pieces sold in the last art show — something he is very proud of.
“I have come a long way since first coming to the Veterans Centre. I realize now that the primary purpose of the therapy is to improve your mental and physical state, but it’s nice to have something to show for it.”
