Ballymena WeightWatchers leader’s sky dive for the Stroke Association

Ballymena Weightwatchers leader, Jackie Lawrence is taking to the skies for WeightWatchers Northern Ireland’s charity partner – the Stroke Association.

Jackie, who has been a WeightWatchers leader since 2007 after losing an incredible 4st 10lbs, is challenging herself with a skydive on Saturday 8 October in Garvagh with the Wild Geese Parachute Company.

Jackie says:“My dad had a stroke in 1993 when he was 64 years old. It was a severe stroke and it left him little mobility down his left hand side. He had to give up work after his stroke which devastated him. However, he’s since made a great recovery, is able to drive now, which has helped him keep both my mum and him greatly independent. When I found out that the Stroke Association had been chosen WeightWatchers NI’s charity partner – and after seeing what my dad has gone through – I knew I had to set myself my own challenge

I would like to say thank you to all of my members fellow weightwatchers leaders, as well as, family and friends who have donated towards this worthy cause – thank you for your support! I also want to say a special thanks to my husband Kenny for his support and encouragement!”.

Every penny raised by WeightWatchers NI and their supporters will stay in Northern Ireland, funding stroke awareness, prevention and support

Paul Montgomery, Community and Events Fundraising Manger at the Stroke Association says:

“All of us at the Stroke Association would like to say thank you and good luck to Jackie for taking part in this skydive challenge .

A stroke is a brainattack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleed in the brain. There are over 4,400 strokes every year in Northern Ireland, but most can be prevented. That’s why our partnership with WeightWatchers NI fits so well

“We can reduce our risk of stroke through a healthy balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat and containing plenty of fruit and vegetables. Exercise is great for our health too. It plays a vital role in reducing your risk of stroke and can improve your overall wellbeing. Combining the two approaches can also lower your blood pressure, help you lose weight and control diabetes.”

If you would like to support Jackie and her skydive, her justgiving can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jackie-Lawrence-WeightWatchers-Leader.

The Stroke Association provides stroke recovery services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area. There are Stroke Association Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Support groups in Antrim, Portrush and Newtownabbey. They also offer a Stroke Recovery Service which provides 1-1 information and support to stroke survivors and their families. or more information please contact the Belfast office on 028 9050 80 20 or ni@stroke.org.uk