Press release - 10 April 2017 11:23

Survivors take a Step Out for Stroke in Blackpool

The Stroke Association is hosting a Step out for Stroke walk in Stanley Park, Blackpool, at 11am on Saturday 27 May.

This family fundraising event is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability and the charity is calling on people to register now and take part alongside local stroke survivors and their families.

Tracy Coxey, 47 from Thornton-Cleveleys, is taking part alongside her father Derek Caddy, after he had a life-changing stroke in 2016. Derek’s stroke left him with no sight, right sided weakness and severe aphasia, meaning he is unable to communicate. He has since had to move into a nursing home to receive 24 hour care.

Tracy said: “Dad has gone from living in his own home working and socialising to needing one on one support. When we asked him if he wanted to take part in the Step out for Stroke, he was really up for the challenge. We’ve been out practicing walking as his mobility has been affected, but he’s making huge improvements. My daughter Jennifer will be walking with us and we’ll both be supporting my dad to walk. We’ll be bringing his wheelchair if he needs it, but I know he’ll be determined to walk it – even if it takes him all day!

“My mother also had a stroke and so this year, I knew it was time for me to get fit. I signed up for the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in Blackpool in March and have lost a lot of weight since Christmas. The Step out for Stroke is the next part of my fundraising journey. We’ve chosen to raise funds for the Stroke Association as we were supported by the charity throughout my dad’s recovery, which was such a huge help.”

Louise Lawless, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re inviting the whole community to sign-up for our Step Out for Stroke event in Blackpool this year 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.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some truly inspirational people who will be taking their first steps since their stroke. 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 and sign-up to take part in Step out for Stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout

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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