​Stroke survivors take to the stage for stand-up comedy night during Make May Purple

Merseyside stroke survivors are preparing to step into the spotlight for a stand-up comedy night at 81 Renshaw, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association on Wednesday 24 May.

The event has been organised in partnership with the Comedy Trust to celebrate Make May Purple for stroke, the Stroke Association’s national awareness month.

To prepare for the evening, 11 stroke survivors have been taking part in a six week Feeling Funny Mental Health and Wellbeing Course run by the Comedy Trust and the Stroke Association. Professional creative practitioners have been teaching participants the skills and techniques to enable them to write and perform their own short comedy routines. The course will culminate in a showcase performance in front of an audience of friends, family and visitors to 81 Renshaw.

The courses are designed to improve mental health and wellbeing and give individuals the opportunity to tackle the subject of mental health and overall wellbeing in a light-hearted way.

Sam Avery, Artistic Director at Comedy Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside the Stroke Association on our Feeling Funny Mental Health and Wellbeing course. The programme allows participants to speak about subjects that are important to them in a light-hearted, engaging way and it’s a great way to educate and inform audiences about issues that they perhaps didn’t know about.”

Linda Cheveau had two strokes in her early 30s and is now a Stroke Association volunteer. She said: “The workshop with the Comedy Trust at the Royal Court was great; we were made to feel very feel comfortable and at ease. I've given talks and read my poetry at events in the past, but I was very nervous to get up on that stage and attempt to be funny. The course leaders Brendan Riley and Cameron Jones gave us all the confidence we needed, and we all came away thinking we could give comedy a go. I am really looking forward to the next workshop and our performance event.”

Kate Charles, Deputy Head of Operations at the Stroke Association, said: “It’s been fantastic to see local stroke survivors taking part and developing their skills as part of this fabulous course. Stroke is a devastating condition, but it’s been incredible to see everyone find their voice and learn to share their experiences in new ways. We’re inviting everyone to come along to 81 Renshaw and show their support, as our performers take on this challenge and put the spotlight on stroke. We’re sure it will be a night of non-stop laughter!

“This year we’re also calling on the local community to get involved in Make May Purple. Whether you choose to hold a bake sale, take part in an event or get sponsored to dye your hair, there are so many easy ways to show your support. Across the UK, more than a million people are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By supporting Make May Purple you can help us to make sure stroke gets the attention it deserves and to raise vital funds for innovative research into stroke care and treatment.”

Doors open at 7:30pm on Wednesday 24 May, at 81 Renshaw, Liverpool, L1 2SJ. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/738706136291621/ to RSVP.

During the month of May, the charity is calling on everyone in Liverpool to go purple and raise vital funds, to show their support for people who have been affected by stroke. To get involved with Make May Purple and help to change the story for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple