Folkestone stroke survivors to benefit from Stroke Association’s new service

Press release -

Folkestone stroke survivors to benefit from Stroke Association’s new service

The Stroke Association has launched a new service which will support people affected by stroke in Folkestone.

The charity’s new Moving Forward after Stroke programme is funded by Roger De Haan Charitable Trust. The new service will support more than 54 stroke survivors across Folkestone each year.

As part of the service, the Stroke Association will work with trained instructors at Folkestone Sports Centre to deliver a 12 week exercise programme. The sessions will provide support with mobility, cardiovascular endurance, strength and flexibility. All the exercises are adaptable and will be tailored to each stroke survivor.

One stroke survivor who has already benefited from Stroke Association support in Folkestone is Filomena Raftery. Filomena had a stroke in 2016 which left her unable to walk or talk.

Filomena said: “My stroke robbed me of everything, it’s really emotional for me to think back to when it happened because that the point when my life changed completely.

“The Stroke Association saved me. The support they have given to me has been invaluable. I don’t know where I’d be without them. Before I started the exercise programme I couldn’t walk up the stairs to my first floor flat, but now I can. With their encouragement, I pushed myself each week. My proudest moment was walking up the steep zig-zag path to the cliffs at Folkestone Leas. I have my independence back now.”

Tara Galloway, Head of Stroke Support for the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke has a massive and sudden impact. People’s lives are changed forever - not just for the stroke survivor, but for their family and friends as well. Our new Moving Forward after Stroke programme in Folkestone will help people affected by stroke to rebuild their lives.

“Being able to return to work, live independently and take control of your life again after a stroke are all vitally important steps on the road to recovery for stroke survivors. We look forward to working together with Roger De Haan Charitable Trust to help more people recover from the devastating impact of stroke.”

For more information about the Moving Forward after Stroke programme, please contact Dee Gaynor on 07703320954.

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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK