Norfolk stroke survivor urges residents to get baking and raise some dough for charity

Natalie Beeston from Norfolk is calling on local residents to help raise funds for the Stroke Association by attending her bake sale at Downham Market Library on Saturday 27 October.

Natalie, 42, who had a mini stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) in February 2017, is supporting the charity’s Give a Hand and Bake Week, from 22 to 28 October 2018, when money will be raised through bake sales across the UK.

Natalie is passionate about raising awareness having sadly gained an insight into the effects of stroke first hand.

It was while working at Downham Market Library, the venue of her bake sale, that Natalie realised something was very wrong. While she initially was having trouble with her vision, soon her left arm had become numb and speech slurred.

After being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, doctors informed her that she had had a mini stroke though no underlying cause could be found.

Natalie had to take two months off work following her mini stroke. She said, “I’ve always been a very sociable person but following my mini stroke I found it so difficult to talk to people - I just couldn’t keep up. I was also very fearful that this was just a warning before a much larger stroke”

“I now feel passionate about changing the conversation around stroke and helping to raise money for the Stroke Association – it’s great they provide somewhere for stroke survivors to go”

“This is the second year I’m taking part in Give a Hand and Bake, which really helps bring the community together and I’m hoping we can raise loads more than last year”

George Burroughs, Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “Every year 46,000 people have a TIA or mini stroke but it’s the link between TIA and stroke that too many people just don’t understand. We fund research into TIA and stroke treatment and care and support stroke survivors like Natalie with their recovery”.

“Give a Hand and Bake Week is a fun, and delicious, way to support our charity’s work. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned chef, there are lots of ways your baking can rise to the challenge.”

You can visit www.stroke.org.uk/GAH to sign up for a Give a Hand and Bake fundraising pack and find out more about the Stroke Association.

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For more information, please contact Ken Scott, PR Officer (Central) on 07515597264 or ken.scott@stroke.org.uk.