Local stroke choir to go purple this May

Stroke survivors and carers from the Stroke Association’s Sing Out for Stroke Choir will be celebrating Make May Purple for stroke, with a performance at East Sussex Healthcare’s Irvine Unit on Friday 4 May.

The Stroke Association is calling on everyone to sign up to Make May Purple in 2018. During the month of May, the charity is encouraging everyone to go purple pounds and raise vital funds for its work supporting people who have been affected by stroke.

The Sing Out for Stroke choir was created by the Stroke Association and currently has 30 members from across East Sussex. One stroke survivor who is part of the local choir is Carol Boydell from Battle. Carol, a retired Planning Officer, had a stroke in May 2015 which left her with problems with her communication and mobility.

Carol said: “I left hospital with slurred speech, a walking stick and unable to do the simplest things we all take for granted, like taking a shower or washing my hair. I felt like a different person and didn’t know what I’d do with myself. After the physiotherapy from the hospital suddenly stopped, I thought that was that – that’s until the Stroke Association got in touch, and everything changed.

“The Sing Out for Stroke choir has helped to improve my speech, gave me more confidence and most importantly it has improved my wellbeing. It has been a real success and I am so grateful to the Stroke Association for encouraging me to take part in the choir, it’s something I never thought I’d do.”

In the UK stroke is the leading cause of disability and there are 1.2 million people living with the physical and emotional after effects. The money raised through Make May Purple for Stroke will enable the charity to support many more stroke survivors regain their independence.

Marie White, Support Coordinator at the Stroke Association, said: “Our services and groups in East Sussex such as Sing Out for Stroke, have helped thousands of people in the local area cope with the massive and sudden impact the condition can have. The support we provide helps people live independently in their own homes, return to work, and rebuild their lives.

“Make May Purple is a fun and easy way for everyone to show their support for stroke survivors and we hope that as many people as possible will join in. Whether you choose to wear purple, dye your hair purple, decorate your office or school in purple, we can’t wait to see how East Sussex will Make May Purple.”

The local singers will be performing at East Sussex Healthcare’s Irvine Unit at 2:30pm on Friday 4 May. The choir meets at Bexhill Health Centre on the first Friday of every month at 2pm until 3.30pm.

To find out more about the work of the Stroke Association and how you can Make May Purple visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple.