Fermanagh Rose Mairead McHugh with members of the Fermanagh Stroke Support Group, her nominated charity, (from left) Emmett Sweeney, Regina McGrory, Alan Davenport, Rita Murphy, Gerry McGoldrick, Stephen McAloon and Patricia Moore.

Press release - 29 June 2016 12:46

Fermanagh Rose Mairead supports Stroke Association

Fermanagh’s entrant in this year’s Rose of Tralee festival has spoken of her commitment to supporting local people affected by stroke.

Mairead Mc Hugh, from Kinawley, has selected the Stroke Association as her chosen charity and plans to host Know Your Blood Pressure events and support Stroke Association campaigns and fundraisers during her year as Fermanagh Rose.

Speaking at the launch of the charity partnership at Enniskillen Hotel Mairead said:

“I’m delighted to be supporting the Stroke Association – a cause very close to my heart. As a Speech and Language Therapist I’ve worked with many people affected by stroke and really enjoy using my skills to support them to regain speech and overcome the communication challenges that stroke can bring. I understand the impact that stroke can have and why the Stroke Association plays such an important role in supporting local stroke survivors and their families.

“During my year as Fermanagh Rose I am delighted to support the Stroke Association and especially the Fermanagh group. Given my job, it’s the perfect partnership for me. It’s been a privilege to meet with the dedicated volunteers who provide information and support to local families affected by stroke. I’m so impressed by their commitment and can’t wait to get involved.

Mairead will be supporting the Stroke Association Fermanagh Group at a number of upcoming events. The Stroke Association Fermanagh Group is having street collections on 5th July and 13th August, they will be attending the Fermanagh Country Show on 2nd and 3rd of August as well as hosting stroke awareness events at Erneside Shopping Centre.

Alan Davenport, a stroke survivor, and Chair of the Stroke Association Fermanagh group added:

“We are absolutely delighted that Mairead is supporting the Stroke Association. She has a genuine passion for supporting people affected by stroke and her support means a lot to us. Mairead will be a brilliant ambassador for Fermanagh and we hope that through her role she will shine a light on the issues affecting local people affected by stroke. Every year more than 4000 people will have a stroke in Northern Ireland and many survivors are left with challenging symptoms including fatigue, communication problems and difficulty walking. Our group, which meets at Fermanagh House and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, provides peer support for local stroke survivors. The Stroke Association also provides a speech and language therapy programme for recent stroke survivors to help them regain communication skills following stroke and that’s why our partnership with Mairead is such good fit.

“On behalf of the Stroke Association I’d like to wish Mairead all the best for her year as Fermanagh Rose and thank her for her support”.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival takes place on 17th - 23rd August. As well as Fermanagh Rose Mairead McHugh, there also two Fermanagh Escorts at this year’s Rose of Tralee Festival – John Slowey from Enniskillen and Mark McGovern from Belcoo.

The Stroke Association provides stroke recovery services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area. There are Stroke Association Speech and Language Therapy and Communication Support groups in Enniskillen, Omagh and Derry/Londonderry. For more information on these groups please contact Roisin Neill by emailing roisin.neill@stroke.org.uk or call 07928876478