Press release - 2 May 2017 15:38

Essex stroke survivor takes a Step Out for Stroke in Hylands Park

A local stroke survivor from Chelmsford is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke event in Hylands Park on Saturday 04 June.

Joanne Ireland, 36, is taking part alongside her two sons and husband, after having a life changing stroke in 2008.

Joanne said: “I was fit and healthy 27-year-old, I never expected I’d have a stroke. I’ve always known the symptoms of a stroke from seeing the adverts on TV, but when it was happening to me I just couldn’t believe it.

“On the morning of my stroke I struggled to lift my son out of his cot. I thought I had just slept on my arm funny until my other son told me he couldn’t understand what I was saying. That was the moment it clicked into place, I knew I’d had a stroke.

“People can never seem to believe that I’m a stroke survivor, and that’s part of the reason why I’m taking on the Stroke Association’s Step Out for Stroke. I want to raise more awareness about the condition, and in particular that it can happen to anyone at any age.

“My family have been incredible throughout it all. Having a stroke with two young children is really hard, but thankfully I had the most supportive family. On the day I’ll be joined by my two sons and husband, and as a family we’ll be proud to support the Stroke Association and help raise awareness.”

Louise Everett, Community and Events Fundraiser, at the Stroke Association, said: “Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re hugely grateful to Joanne and her family for joining us for this year’s event”.

“We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. Our Step Out for Stroke events mark a milestone for many stroke survivors taking part, and it’s an event that the whole family will enjoy. Everyone taking part will be joined by hundreds of people across the UK who are walking to raise vital funds for everyone affected by stroke.”

To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout

To sponsor Joanne, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Joanne-Ireland1

Topics

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