Halton stroke survivors get creative for Make May Purple

Halton stroke survivors have been getting creative during Make May Purple with a range of purple flower sculptures to celebrate the Stroke Association’s national awareness month.

The Stroke Association is calling on everyone to sign up to Make May Purple in 2017. During the month of May, the charity is encouraging everyone to go purple and raise vital funds, to show support for people who have been affected by stroke.

On Monday 15 May, six stroke survivors and carers took part in a workshop organised by the Stroke Association in partnership with LifewithArt, a charity which helps young and disabled people throughout the UK through education in the arts.

The workshop was held at the former B&Q unit on Dennis Road, Widnes, and was led by local artist Faith Bebbington. Stroke survivors used newspaper, wire and coloured tape to make individual petal shapes which they each decorated. Faith then bound them together on to wire stems to make the flower sculptures.

Bethan Honeywill, Chief Operating Officer at LifewithArt, said: “At LifewithArt we believe that art and the creative process play an important role in enriching lives, reducing isolation, nurturing self-esteem and encouraging inclusion. We are delighted to be working with the Stroke Association in our Widnes Charity Arts Centre and to be doing our bit to Make May Purple!”

Alison Gilfoyle, Information Advice and Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “To celebrate Make May Purple, we gave the LifewithArt team a brief of producing something purple, possibly involving flowers, and after much discussion, we decided to create irises. The workshop with Faith was fantastic; all of the participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to craft something colourful and creative.

“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.”

The Stroke Association provides an Information, Advice and Support Service and Communication Support in Halton, in partnership with Halton CCG and Halton Borough Council.

During the month of May, the charity is calling on everyone in Halton 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