​Royal Hallamshire’s stroke professionals take on fundraising challenge to help rebuild lives

The multidisciplinary stroke team in Sheffield have raised more than £3,000 in vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The team of over 20 NHS staff dedicated to caring for patients recovering from stroke chose to support the UK charity during stroke awareness month, Make May Purple.

Consultants, dieticians, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists on Royal Hallamshire’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit pledged to drink only thickened fluids for 24 hours. They aimed 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 more slowly 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.

Natascha Ullrich, Speech and Language Therapist on the unit, said: “I checked the team’s interest for a thickened fluids challenge through our staff WhatsApp group, and the response from the team was brilliant. So many colleagues either took on the challenge or helped with fundraising. The experience has given us all a deeper understanding of what life can be like for the patients we care for. We’re hoping to implement changes to our practice to help ensure better oral hydration and improved quality of life for people who need to have their drinks thickened.”

The team in Sheffield were joined by other NHS professionals from all over the country who took on various challenges to collectively raise £9,000 during the month of May. Other fundraising challenges included the Rotherham Stroke Rehab Team collectively running 839 miles, while others walked or ran 100km, and even shaved their heads.

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.