Downton Abbey creator helps to conquer stroke through national newspaper appeal

Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, and his wife, EmmaFellowes, were among a host of Stroke Association supporters, carers and stroke survivors who helped to raise over £200,000 for the charity, through The Times 2014 Christmas charity appeal.

For the first time, Lord and Lady Fellowes spoke publicly about their first-hand experience of caring for loved ones affected by stroke to launch the appeal in The Times. Former Australian international rugby star, Michael Lynagh, also talked about his experience of stroke and support for the charity’s Back to Work Project, which helps stroke survivors return to the workplace.

Readers of The Times helped the Stroke Association to raise over £100,000 through the appeal, with a further £100,000 matched by leading market operator ICAP.All fundsraised will support the charity’s work to conquer stroke.

The Stroke Association was one of three charities chosen for The Times Christmas appeal. As well as generating vital money to support the charity’s work, the appeal has raised the profile of stroke – a condition that strikes every three and a half minutes in the UK and is the leading cause of severe adult disability.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “The Times Christmas appeal has helped us to highlight the devastating impact of stroke and raise vital funds.  This will help us to continue to transform the lives of people struck down by stroke, and offer much-needed support to their loved ones and carers.  Thanks to the generosity of The Times readers, the terrific support from ICAP, and the courage of those who publicly shared their experience of stroke, we can develop our services for stroke survivors and support ground-breaking research to help save lives.”

Articles featured in the appeal included the story of five-year-old Beth Horton from Plymouth, Devon, who had a stroke aged two-and-a-half, and 41-year-old Rachel Inglefield from Ogbourne St George, near Marlborough, who had a stroke only days after her baby son, James, was born. The Times also dedicated one of its Leading articles to highlight the pioneering work of the Stroke Association, and call for increased funding for stroke research.

Rosemary Bennett, Social Affairs Correspondent at The Times, said: “Stroke strikes every three-and-a-half minutes in the UK and is responsible for over 40,000 deaths a year. Yet, stroke research continues to be significantly underfunded, relative to other major diseases.  Through the appeal, we’ve helped to increase the profile of stroke, and raise vital funds to support the Stroke Association’s life-changing work with those affected by this cruel condition.”

To find out more about the appeal, visit http://www.stroke.org.uk/thetimes