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​NHS stroke professionals unite for fundraising challenge to help rebuild lives

Press release -

​NHS stroke professionals unite for fundraising challenge to help rebuild lives

NHS stroke professionals across the UK have united to take on a series of fundraising challenges to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association this May, and are calling on their colleagues to join them.

NHS staff dedicated to caring for patients recovering from stroke have chosen to support the UK charity during stroke awareness month, Make May Purple. They have each chosen a challenge, as individuals or smaller teams.

Consultants, doctors, nurses and therapists on Royal Hallamshire’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit have pledged to drink only thickened fluids for 24 hours. They aim to not only raise money for the Stroke Association, but to help highlight the lived experience of many stroke patients who have swallowing difficulties after a stroke.

Not being able to swallow properly after a stroke can mean there is a risk that normal drinks will go down ‘the wrong way’, into your lungs instead of your stomach. The thick drinks move slower in your throat and are easier to swallow safely but some people find they are not as pleasant as normal drinks and take time to get used to.

Other fundraising challenges set by teams from all over the country include the Rotherham Stroke Rehab Team collectively running 500 miles throughout the month, while others are running 100km during May and a couple are even shaving their heads. To date the team have collectively raised almost £4,000.

Doctor Deb Lowe, National Clinical Director for Stroke Medicine, is calling on health professionals to join in and set their own challenges this month.

She said: “Due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak, the work of the Stroke Association is more critical than ever. From encouraging those with stroke symptoms to seek emergency medical help, through to providing peer and community support to stroke patients after they leave hospital, this amazing charity is working closely with the NHS to keep stroke survivors safe and supported in their recovery during the pandemic.

“The Stroke Association relies on charitable donations to undertake this important work. We’d love to see health professionals across the UK join me and get involved by setting themselves a challenge during Make May Purple, or support their colleagues in their fundraising efforts.”

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that NHS stroke professionals are choosing to fundraise for our charity’s work during Make May Purple in such imaginative ways.

“Now, more than ever, we all need to pull together in order to limit the devastating impact of coronavirus on our ability to deliver help and support. No stroke survivor should ever feel abandoned or alone when they leave hospital. Thanks to everyone for raising much-needed funds so that we can reach out to even more stroke survivors at this very difficult time.”

To donate or sign up as a member of the Stroke Professionals team, visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/StrokeProfessionalsUK

Remember the signs of stroke and Act FAST – Face, Arms, Speech, it’s Time to call 999. For more information about stroke, ring the Stroke Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.

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  • Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant.
  • The Stroke Association is a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe that everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.
  • Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community and the generosity of our supporters. With more donations and support, we can help rebuild even more lives.
  • You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Contacts

Vicki Hall

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478

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The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

Stroke Association
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EC1V 2PR London
UK