Press release -
Norfolk stroke survivor Steps out for Stroke
A local stroke survivor from Norfolk is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step out for Stroke event in Hunstanton, on Tuesday 24 May 2016 after surviving multiple strokes over the past four years.
Father of two, Gordon Stewart, 47, from Gaywood, has had multiple strokes, leaving him registered blind and with numbness in the right side of his body.
Gordon said: “After three months of terrible headaches in 2012, I woke up one day with a numb mouth. A visit to the hospital confirmed that I’d had three strokes. I was in shock. As a skip lorry driver, I was fit and strong. I never dreamed that I’d have one stroke – let alone three.”
Over the next two years Gordon had a further two stokes, before being diagnosed with Small Vessel Disease, a condition in which small arteries in the brain become narrowed, as well as Atrial Fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
Gordon said: “The strokes have left me blind, unable to work and totally exhausted. But thanks to the Stroke Association’s weekly support group, I’ve found my confidence, met new people, and I’ve realised that I’m not alone. I now take part in local art and walking groups, visually impaired archery, and recently proposed to my girlfriend.”
“I’ll be taking part in the Step Out with my fiancée Tracey, and guide dog Jandy. I wanted to do something to give back to the charity and thank them for all their support over the past four years.”
Step out for Stroke is an event for everyone affected by stroke, and can be as long or as short as participants can manage. For stroke survivors, this challenge often marks their first steps since their stroke.
George Burroughs, Fundraising Manager from 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 Gordon for joining us for this year’s event.
“Every step makes a difference, and we want Step out for Stroke 2016 to be our biggest year yet. Join us in Hunstanton 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 and to enter, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout
For more information about stroke, please visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Association helpline on 0303 303 3100.
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
