Press release -
Local Stroke survivor Richard encourages everyone to join him and Step Out for stroke
5th May 2015
Local Stroke survivor Richard encourages everyone to join him and Step Out for stroke
Local Stroke Survivor Richard Spanswick from Plymouth is asking everyone to join him and other stroke survivors to Step Out for Stroke on the 6th June 2015. The event is a fundraising walk perfect for the whole family that will be taking place at Plymouth Hoe.
Richard had his stroke on the 2nd July 2013. He was getting out of bed, when everything started spinning and he couldn’t focus. He also started being sick, and was very disorientated. Richard’s partner phoned for an ambulance. On arrival at the hospital they believed Richard’s disorientation and lack of focus was caused by a previous health problem. However after many tests and scans they diagnosed a stroke.
Richard adds; “My stroke left me vision impairment with spatial awareness and bad memory loss. I also had previous problems with my spine, which meant that I had some weakness, but the stroke has made it worse. Sometimes I can start walking sideways for no apparent reason. It is strange though as there are seven people in our peer support stroke group and we all have different post stroke symptoms. Our whole group will be taking part in the Step Out and I am hoping my daughter will join us as well.”
Sharron Davies MBE, Olympic swimmer and TV presenter, is championing the Stroke Association’s 2015 Step out for Stroke series. Sharron said: “Stroke has affected my family so I’ve seen first-hand just how devastating its effects can be. Step out for Stroke celebrates the achievements of stroke survivors as they walk alongside their friends and family, all while helping to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
“Each walk is wheelchair accessible and suitable for any level of walking ability. Participants can walk at their own pace, in their own time. Ultimately, Step out for Stroke celebrates the brave steps in a stroke survivor’s recovery.”
Amy Binleyfrom the Stroke Association, added: “In 2014 we met some truly inspirational people who were taking their first steps since their stroke, and others who challenged themselves to walk as far as they could. We are really grateful to Richard and his fellow stroke survivors for joining us again this year.
“Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. It’s the perfect event to take part in alongside friends and family. Join us in Plymouth to help even more stroke survivors take their first steps on the road to recovery and together we can conquer stroke.”
For more information on Step out for Stroke and to enter your nearest walk, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout
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For interviews, photographs or more information, please contact Cheryl Randeria on 07810 697957.
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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 the leading cause of severe adult 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
