​Wakefield stroke survivor hosts Purple Summer Ball for the Stroke Association

A young stroke survivor from Wakefield is raising vital funds for the Stroke Association, and is calling on local residents to come along to her Purple Summer Ball on Friday 16 June.

Mother of two, Berni Cooper, 35, was at home with her 14-month old son when she had a stroke in 2011, when she was just 30 years old. Working as a police officer at the time, Berni was fit, healthy and a keen runner.

Berni suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed, and couldn’t move or feel her left side. With her son crying next to her, Berni managed to call an ambulance and arrived at hospital in time to receive the clot busting treatment, thrombolysis.

Thankfully, Berni regained the movement in her arm relatively quickly, and with physiotherapy and support from the Stroke Association she has no lasting physical effects. However, the emotional impact of the stroke hit Berni the hardest, and it took over a year for her to get over the overwhelming exhaustion caused by her stroke.

Just two years after her stroke, Berni pursued her passion for running and completed the Birmingham Half Marathon in October 2013 to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association. She then went on to run the Yorkshire Marathon in October 2014 and the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2015.

Berni is now hosting the black tie event at Sandal Rugby Club and calling on the local community to come along and enjoy the evening. She said: “After the support I received from the Stroke Association, I was keen to raise funds to help others get the support they need. I’d love for people in Wakefield to come along and support the evening and help raise money for this cause close to my heart.”

Louise Knight, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Berni for her continued support. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the UK. At the Stroke Association, we want to be there for everyone affected by stroke, so the funds raised by Berni and everyone at the Purple Summer Ball will help us to help make this a reality.”

Tickets cost £40 and include a three course meal with wine, a live band, entertainment and raffle. Tables of ten or more will receive a free bottle of prosecco. For tickets, contact Berni and Simon on 07980 626 949 or email purplesummerball@outlook.com

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. To get involved with Make May Purple and help to change the story for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple