​Local residents bring some sunshine to Bournemouth residents with a flash mob

Local residents were treated to a flash mob in Bournemouth Square on Monday 15 February by the Stroke Association.

A group of stroke survivors, carers and volunteers dressed in summer clothing surprised shoppers with an impromptu dance routine.

The stunt was organised by the Stroke Association to raise awareness of their new fundraising initiative, Bring Me Sunshine.

This February, the Stroke Association is inviting the UK to bring the sunshine back this winter and host a ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ party. The charity is urging people to swap their winter wardrobe for sunglasses and flip flops, and throw a summer-themed party to raise vital funds for people affected by stroke.

Jon Gill, 52, from Poole had a stroke in 2008. He said, “I really enjoyed being part of the Stroke Association’s Bring Me Sunshine flash mob. I thought it was a fantastic and fun way to raise awareness. I put on my Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses for the performance, and took to the Square for a dance with the rest of the team.

“When I had my stroke I was faced with many dark days, but thanks to the help from the Stroke Association, I’m now passionate to turn my experience into a positive one, to help others who have been touched by stroke. Taking part in the flash mob was a way for me to celebrate the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the achievements I’ve made since my stroke. If people are inspired to have a Bring Me Sunshine party to raise some funds for the charity as a result, then it will all have been worthwhile!”

Amy Spencer, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said, “This winter, we’re inviting people to swap their winter wardrobe for sunglasses and flip flops, and throw a summer-themed party to raise vital funds for the charity. So we thought what better way to spread the word than to spread some sunshine in Bournemouth Square?

“We’re so thankful to everyone who came together to make this flash mob possible. This event was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the charity and encourage people to have their own Bring Me Sunshine summer-themed party.”

For more information about Bring Me Sunshine, visit www.stroke.org.uk/BringMeSunshine.

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For more information, please contact: Daisy Hythe-Clayton on 0207 940 1358 or daisy.hythe-clayton@stroke.org.uk

Notes to Editors

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