Mother and daughter take a Step Out for Stroke in Plymouth

Press release -

Mother and daughter take a Step Out for Stroke in Plymouth

A mother and daughter are set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event in Hoe Park on Saturday 13 May.

Sara Rogers, 37, was inspired to take part in the Step Out with her mother, Lynne Wilbur, after her step-father, Fred, had a devastating stroke ten years ago. The stroke left Fred with locked-in syndrome, a condition which caused paralysis in all parts of his body, apart from the muscles that control eye movement. As a result, Fred can only communicate using his eyes.

Sara, a student at Plymouth University said: “Within an instant Fred’s life was turned upside down. Stroke is a cruel condition, and Fred’s stroke has really opened my eyes to just how devastating it can be. It inspired me to quit my job as a teaching assistant and go to university to study Occupational Therapy. I want to work with the charity and stroke survivors, to support people like Fred in their life after stroke.

“Mum and I wanted to do something to help the Stroke Association with the incredible work they do. We'll also be joined by my three beautiful children. The Step Out will be emotional for us both, but I know we’ll feel so proud to be there on the day.

“We hope that through taking part in the Step Out, we can help raise more awareness of stroke. Fred was a fit and healthy 59-year-old, we never dreamed that anything like this could happen to him.”

Jayne Hughes, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re hugely grateful to Sara and Lynne for their incredible support and for joining us at this year’s event.

“We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. Our Step Out for Stroke events mark a milestone for many stroke survivors taking part, and it’s an event that the whole family will enjoy. Everyone taking part will be joined by hundreds of people across the UK who are walking to raise vital funds for everyone affected by stroke.”

To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout

To sponsor Sara and Lynne, please visit:www.justgiving.com/Sara-Lynne1 or www.justgiving.com/Lynne-Wilbur

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