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​Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men Make May Purple to support the Stroke Association

Press release -

​Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men Make May Purple to support the Stroke Association

Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men have backed the Stroke Association’s national awareness-raising month, Make May Purple, by performing with purple hankies to show their support on Thursday 11 May.

Make May Purple for Stroke is the Stroke Association’s national awareness month. During the month of May, the charity is calling on everyone in Staffordshire to go purple and raise vital funds, to show their support for people who have been affected by stroke.

Formed in 1955, the Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men have been a significant presence across the region, dancing at fêtes and pubs during the summer months. On Thursday 11 May they performed with purple hankies at The Three Horseshoes, Barton-under-Needwood and The Royal Oak, Barton Green.

The group was inspired to support Make May Purple after dancer Adrian Wedgwood’s wife Marilyn had a stroke in November 2010. Marilyn’s stroke originally left her unable to walk or talk, and with no movement in her right arm. Marilyn attends the Stroke Association voluntary group Burton Speakability each Thursday, which has supported her throughout her recovery.

Adrian said: “A stroke can strike in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Having seen Marilyn battle the effects of her stroke throughout her recovery, we were keen to raise awareness of this devastating condition during Make May Purple. I’ve been dancing since 1960, not only because I enjoy it and it keeps me fit, but because it helps to keep the tradition alive. The performance in Barton was the perfect opportunity to show our support.”

Tina Hughes, Communication Development Partnerships Officer at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re very grateful to the Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men for helping us to put the spotlight on stroke.

“This year we’re also calling on the local community to get involved in Make May Purple. Whether you choose to hold a bake sale, take part in an event or get sponsored to dye your hair, there are so many easy ways to show your support.

“Across the UK, more than a million people are rebuilding their lives after stroke. By supporting Make May Purple you can help us to make sure stroke gets the attention it deserves and to raise vital funds for innovative research into stroke care and treatment.”

To get involved with Make May Purple and help to change the story for stroke survivors, visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple

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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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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