​Calderdale stroke professionals take on fundraising relay to help rebuild lives

The Calderdale Stroke Early Supported Discharge team have raised more than £1,200 in vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The 12 strong team battled a wet and windy weekend on 04 and 05 July, to walk the 50 mile Calderdale Way at a social distance during their ‘Walk the Calderdale Stroke Team Way’ relay challenge.

The team covers the whole of Calderdale, providing all therapies and nursing support for stroke survivors discharged from hospital after acute stroke.

Julie Taylor, Physiotherapist in the Calderdale Stroke Early Supported Discharge team, said: “We passed our infamous FAST ted as the relay ‘baton’ and thankfully the last few walkers brought out the sunshine in time to finish at 5pm, to coincide with the 72nd birthday clap for the NHS!

“As a team we really value the support that the Stroke Association provides, and we are acutely aware that the charity’s funds are reduced because of COVID-19 restrictions, so we decided to do a relay sponsored walk walking the hilly 50 mile Calderdale Way route.”

Louise Simonian, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: We’re absolutely thrilled that Calderdale Stroke Early Supported Discharge team fundraised for our charity’s work in such an imaginative way. 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 please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/calderdale-esd

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.