Oxford best friends take a Step Out for Stroke in Abingdon

Press release -

Oxford best friends take a Step Out for Stroke in Abingdon

A stroke survivor from Oxford is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event in Hales Meadow on Saturday 10 June, just over a month after having a stroke.

Ellis Elliott, 25, was undergoing open heart surgery last month when she had a stroke. The stroke left Ellis with part paralysis in her right arm, and a communication difficulty called aphasia.

Ellis said: “After my stroke, I was lucky to have my mum by my side at all times, but it has still been a struggle. I couldn't use my hand to write anymore, and just saying ‘hello’ was stressful.

“I feel like I am improving each and every day, though. I still get frustrated that I struggle to do simple things that we take for granted, like making a cup of tea or calling a friend. I believe that everyone should have the best possible care after a stroke, and that's why I wanted to raise awareness and vital funds for the Stroke Association.

“My best friend Poppy has been my rock throughout this. I don’t think I would had taken on this Step Out for Stroke without her! Poppy has rallied up family and friends to join us on the day too. The walk will be a challenge, but to know I have everyone I love with me every step of the way, will be what gets me to the finish line."

Poppy said: “I never imagined anyone my age could have a stroke, least of all my best friend Ellis. When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe it.

“Ellis has been absolutely amazing – her determination and strength to get through this has been incredible. We want to raise awareness that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time.

“We’re really looking forward to the day, I can’t wait to be with Ellis as she marks this milestone in her recovery.”

Natalie Bettinson, 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 Ellis and Poppy for joining us for 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 Ellis and Poppy please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Poppy-Townsend

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