Press release -
Kings Heath husband steps out for stroke in memory of his wife
Balbir Ruprai and his family are taking part in their second Step Out for Stroke in Kings Heath Park on Sunday 17 May 2015, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
This year the family are doing the walk in memory of Deshi Kaur Ruprai who sadly passed away earlier this year after having two devastating strokes and a seizure.
Deshi and Balbir were happily married for 56 years, and owned a shop in the heart of Kings Heath. Over the 36 years of running the local shop, the family have always been a huge part of the community.
In early 2011 after a period of feeling unwell, Deshi had a heart attack and a mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA). In September 2012, Deshi had a major stroke, leaving her paralysed down the left side of her body.
Balbir, who cared for his wife after her stroke, adds, “When Deshi had a stroke we were devastated. We knew that for her we needed to pull together as a family and stay strong. It was here that we were thankfully put in contact with the Stroke Association who supported Deshi and the family through this difficult time. Deshi was a happy, confident and determined lady who, even though she had had a stroke, never failed to smile and show warmth and love to her family. Deshi’s was so determined after her stroke – she went from strength to strength beginning with taking a few steps, to standing and kneeling at the temple.”
In the summer of 2014 the Ruprai family took part in Step out for Stroke at Kings Heath Park and raised £1,000 for the Stroke Association.
Deshi sadly passed away in January 2015 following a seizure and another major stroke. This year the family will take part in the Step out for Stroke in Kings Heath again, in memory of Deshi.
Jodie Smith from the Stroke Association, added: “In 2014 the Ruprai family blew me away with their determination and support - they are all truly inspirational people. It’s fantastic that the family are turning such a sad experience into something positive going forward.
“Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. It’s the perfect event to take part in alongside friends and family. Every step makes a difference, and we want Step out for Stroke 2015 to be our biggest year yet. Join us in Kings Heath to help even more stroke survivors take their first steps on the road to recovery and together we can conquer stroke.”
For more information on Step out for Stroke in Kings Heath and to enter your nearest walk, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout to help the Stroke Association turn the park purple for stroke.
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 the leading cause of severe adult 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
