​Survivors take a Step Out for Stroke in Rufford Abbey

The Stroke Association is hosting a Step out for Stroke walk at Rufford Abbey Country Park at 12pm on Sunday 11 June.

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.

Among those taking part is Sally Randle, 52 from Nottingham, who will be marking six years almost to the day since a life threatening stroke, cause by a ruptured brain haemorrhage. The stroke affected Sally’s speech, vision and left her with weakness in her right side.

Sally will be joined by several family members, including her husband Neil and her sister Mandy Idle with husband Richard, their two daughters Lauren and Romy and their grandson Rohan.

Sally said: “I've had to learn to walk, talk and everything in between, all over again. It's been painful, frustrating, and at times, quite difficult but I’ve made great progress. By taking part in the Step Out, I hope to raise awareness of the Stroke Association, show the importance of rehabilitation and maybe inspire others to reach their goals. It's a long time since I last walked a mile but I'm determined to do it!”

Sally’s sister Mandy added: “The day of Sally’s stroke, we were all told to go the hospital and be prepared to say goodbye. Hospital staff didn’t expect her to survive, but they saved her life. Sally was in an induced coma for a while and it has taken her a long time with rehabilitation to get to where she is now.

“When we saw the Step Out for Stroke taking place the day after Sally’s stroke six years ago, we knew we wanted to sign up to mark a milestone in her recovery. The walk will be a challenge for her but she wants to walk the full mile; it’ll be such an achievement for her.”

As well as taking part in the Step out for Stroke walk, the park is also full of family-friendly activities including a café and children’s play area, providing a great opportunity for a family day out.

Louise Knight, Community and Events Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “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.

“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 about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout. To sponsor Sally, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sally-randle