Jason Parker announced as the Stroke Association's new Chair of Trustees

The Stroke Association has appointed Jason Parker as its next Chair of Trustees, as Stephen King steps down in January 2026 after eight years.

Jason had a stroke six years ago at the age of 45. He was paralysed and wheelchair bound and it had an enormous impact on his mental health however he has now made a good recovery and uses his experience to help other stroke survivors.

Not only does Jason bring passion and lived experience to the role, he also brings extensive leadership and business expertise as a Senior Partner at KPMG, with 28 years' experience primarily in healthcare looking after senior relationships across NHS England and the Care Quality Commission.

Jason recently stepped down as Chair of the neonatal charity, Bliss, where he helped it navigate financial challenges, and oversaw the building of a diverse and inclusive Board.

Jason has been supporting the Stroke Association for the last 18 months as an independent advisor to the Audit and Risk and Finance Committees, as well as a campaigner, fundraiser and public speaker at a number of events.

Jason Parker said: “It is a huge privilege to take on this role – a job that I would never have dreamed of doing before my major stroke. Having experienced at first hand the devastation that stroke brings to physical and mental health for both the individual and their support network, I have been determined to do all I can to spread awareness and support anyone equally impacted, irrespective of background or post code. In uncertain economic and geopolitical times, we have a huge opportunity to be a force for good, providing hope, challenging inequity and rebuilding lives. I will be as tireless in pushing for change as I was in learning to walk again.”

Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association said: “Jason’s experience of stroke and his recovery, combined with his professional expertise, leadership qualities and growth mindset, make him a compelling choice to guide our charity into its next phase. We wanted someone with lived experience but also a proven track record of innovation and someone who leads with inclusion and diversity of thought. Jason was the stand-out candidate in this regard.

I would also like to thank Stephen King for his hard work, expertise, and commitment over the last eight years, which has helped to ensure that the charity is well-prepared for the future. His support has been invaluable to me as Chief Executive and I wish him all the best with his next endeavours.”

“As we move into an exciting chapter with our new Chair, I look forward to seeing Jason’s extensive experience, leadership, and lived experience helping us to tackle the devastation of stroke and grow the charity’s reach, influence and impact for stroke survivors and their families.”

Notes to editors

About the Stroke Association

• Over 90,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and gruelling recovery journey.
• Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke, and its impact is traumatic.
• Brain damage, caused by a stroke, can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak or even swallow.
• The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing life-long support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.
• Anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Support Helpline on 0303 3033 100 for information, guidance or a chat when times are tough.
• You can follow us on X, Facebook , Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn