​One small step for man, one great Step Out for Stroke

Fifty years since the first man walked on the moon, stroke survivors in Warrington proved they too can overcome their own challenges, by taking part in a charity walk for the Stroke Association at Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday 20 July.

More than 185 people took on the charity’s Step Out for Stroke walk, one of several mile-long walks taking place across the UK this summer. The courses are suitable for any level of walking ability, wheelchair accessible and participants can walk at their own pace, in their own time.

Stroke survivors, carers, family members, supporters and the Warrington Hospital Stroke Unit team were joined by Maureen Creaghan, Deputy Mayor for Warrington. Faisal Rashid MP, Warrington Fire Service and Warrington Wolves also joined in the fun, to help make the day a resounding success.

The walk was officially opened by two local child stroke survivors, Lottie Evans and Sofia Dobson and David Sharp, an A&E nurse at Warrington Hospital. David had a stroke in January this year and is learning to walk again. Sofia, 5, had a life changing stroke at birth, while Lottie survived a stroke at just three years old in 2016.

Jane Guy, Stroke Association Support Coordinator in Warrington, said: “We were thrilled with the success of the Step Out for Stroke walk, and we’re hugely grateful to each and every person who got involved. The sun was shining for us, and along with lots of sheer determination, there were plenty of smiles all round.

“For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives can seem like a huge challenge, much like reaching the moon. We know that recovery is tough, we don’t deny that, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt after stroke. Just as those first steps on the moon were celebrated 50 years ago, every Step Out for Stroke walk celebrates the many ways in which stroke survivors are rebuilding their lives. Recovery from stroke is a team effort.”

To find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout.