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​Political opponents come together in aid of the Stroke Association

Press release -

​Political opponents come together in aid of the Stroke Association

Former York council leader Chris Steward and former Labour councillor Fiona Fitzpatrick are set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step out for Stroke event in Rowntree Park, York, on Saturday 2 July.

After they both experienced strokes, Chris and Fiona are taking on the charity’s fundraising event to show their support for stroke survivors across the region. Chris had a stroke in May 2016 at the age of 36, and Fiona Fitzpatrick had a stroke in November 2011 at the age of 58.

Chris Steward said: “I know first-hand the devastating affects stroke can have on someone’s life. I am really looking forward to taking part in the event and meeting other local stroke survivors in York.”

Fiona Fitzpatrick said: “My stroke was a huge shock, but I was determined to not let it beat me. The Stroke Association’s information and support were invaluable in helping me understand and come to terms with my life as a stroke survivor.”

Step out for Stroke is an event for everyone affected by stroke, and can be as long or as short as participants can manage. For stroke survivors, this challenge often marks their first steps since their stroke.

Katy Barton, information advice and support coordinator at the Stroke Association says at the Stroke Association, added: “We’re looking forward to seeing some truly inspirational people who will be taking their first steps since their stroke and others who have challenged themselves to achieve new goals on the day. We’re hugely grateful to Chris and Fiona for joining us for this year’s event.

“In Yorkshire and Humber, there are more than 10,600 strokes per year and over 112,300 people living with the effects of stroke. Stroke happens in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime. Far too many people don’t understand the condition or think it will ever happen to them. We believe everyone affected by stroke should get the support they need to make the best possible recovery.

“In 2015, we were thrilled to hold 50 Step out for Stroke events across the UK which raised more than £150,000. Join us this year to help even more stroke survivors take their first steps on the road to recovery so together, we can conquer stroke.”

To sponsor Chris and Fiona please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chrisandfionainyork.

For more information on Step out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout. Entries will be accepted on the day.

For more information about stroke, please visit www.stroke.org.uk or call the Stroke Association helpline on 0303 303 3100.

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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.  

Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk

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
City Road
EC1V 2PR London
UK