Press release -
Peterborough stroke survivor Steps out for Stroke
A local stroke survivor from Peterborough is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step out for Stroke event at Ferry Meadows Country Park on Sunday 12 June 2016.
Grandfather of two, Graham Bircham, 65, from Bretton had a devastating stroke in June 2012 whilst home alone. The stroke left Graham unable to swallow, walk or talk. Graham’s stroke was so severe that doctors warned his family he may not survive.
Graham’s daughter, Sarah, said: “Unfortunately the stroke left dad unable to carry out most of the activities that he previously enjoyed like reading, driving, photography, and gardening. He has had to adapt, take life at a slower pace and find new hobbies. He’s now an active member of his local boccia and bowls teams.
“Dad made a lot of progress in the first year following his stroke and he’s worked hard to be able to walk again and use his right arm. When we think back to the first few months following his stroke, we are amazed at the progress that he has made. He continues to work hard to try to improve his speech, language and numerical skills.
“Although dad finds it exhausting to walk more than a mile, he can walk short distances and tries to walk most days. The Step out for Stroke event will be a challenge for him, but we are keen to raise as much money as we can for the Stroke Association, to help others in my dad’s situation and to give thanks for the support that we’ve received.”
George Burroughs, 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 Graham 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 Peterborough 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
