Press release -
Eltham stroke survivor steps out for the Stroke Association
A Eltham stroke survivor has completed the Stroke Association’s Step out for Stroke event in Greenwich on Sunday 19 June 2016, raising over £1,000 for the charity.
Pam Ponsford, 74, had a stroke last November when she was making dinner. Pam heard a loud explosive sound in both her ears, and as her left leg and arm began to feel heavy and realised she was having a stroke. Pam’s husband quickly dialled 999, and Pam was rushed to hospital.
Despite her stroke, Pam was determined to get on her feet again. Pam worked hard with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and the Stroke Association to aid her recovery.
Last Sunday, Pam took on the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event with her husband. Pam said: “The thought of walking over a mile a couple of weeks ago was very daunting. But with some practice walks in the weeks leading up to the event, my confidence grew.
“I’ve always been a determined person. I wanted to take part in the charity’s Step Out for Stroke event to raise awareness that a stroke can happen at any time and at any age. I believe it’s really important for people to know more about stroke, and that’s why I wanted to get involved and do my bit to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Robert Hope, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it is vital that we have people like Pam to help raise funds. It’s wonderful to see how far Pam has come with her recovery; she’s a real inspiration. The funds raised will help ensure we can be there for even more families affected by stroke.”
For more information, please contact Daisy Hythe-Clayton on 0207 940 1358 or email Daisy.Hythe-Clayton@stroke.org.uk
Topics
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
