Rotarians urge everyone to ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’

Rotary Ireland, part of one of the world’s leading philanthropic organisation, has selected the Stroke Association as an official charity partner ahead of their annual Ireland-wide conference. The partnership comes at an important time following the publication of new research last week which predicts that the number of stroke cases in Northern Ireland will double by 2035 without investment in stroke awareness and prevention.

Rotary clubs from across Ireland will raise funds and awareness for the charity’s life-saving programmes through a series of events and iniatives. Kicking off on Friday 29^th September, the two organisations will commence the partnership by checking the blood pressure of over 400 Rotarians at the Rotary annual Conference, with guest speakers Bill Wolsey, Eric Knowles and Professor Jim Dornan.

Garth Arnold, the District Governor of Rotary Ireland, from Donaghadee selected the charity partner after the sudden death of his father, he said: “I am delighted to announce our charity partnership for Northern Ireland, and look forward to working with the Stroke Association and helping them to meet their objectives for reducing deaths.

“Members of my family have also been affected by stroke and so I have seen the effects of stroke first-hand. As this year’s District Governor for Rotary, I choose the Stroke Association as I wanted to do something which could make a difference to many families lives.

“By educating Rotarians, and by them helping to share this knowledge with our local communities, we are hoping that we can contribute to reducing the death rate which is so tragically associated with stroke.”

Asthe UK’s leading charity, the Stroke Association, are dedicated to conquering stroke, providing vital services, and campaigning for better stroke care and finding better treatments.

Catherine Lynn, who heads up the ‘Know Your Blood Pressure’ campaign for the Stroke Association said:“Around 14,000 strokes happen across Ireland each year, north and south. “Stroke is devastating but it can be prevented.

“Having your blood pressure checked is simple, quick and painless and it’s an easy way to reduce your risk of stroke.

Catherine concluded: “Stroke Association is delighted to be working with Rotary clubs to provide free blood pressure checks and we look forward to reaching out to communities at risk to help spread the word about the link between high blood pressureand stroke”.

The Rotary Ireland Conference will take place over two days on the 29th / 30^th September at La Mon Hotel with guest speakers, Bill Wolsey, Managing Director of Beannchor, who will discuss the changing and challenging business landscape in the North and South. Eric Knowles, Antiquarian and television star who will talk about his career in the world of antiques and Professor Jim Dornan, a Northern Irish obstetrician and gynecologist who will talk about women's rights, which are their human rights.

Picture caption: Rotary Conference guest speaker, Bill Wolsey is pictured getting his blood pressure checked by Catherine Lynn, Stroke Association alongside Garth Arnold, the District Governor of Rotary Ireland.

For information on how to join Rotary Ireland, visit www.rotary.ie.