Press release -
Kings Lynn stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’
Kings Lynn resident Paul Fisher, who had two strokes at 55 years old, is challenging people across the East of England to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
Paul had two major strokes in 2011 which left him unable to walk. Paul was put into a medically-induced coma and spent several weeks in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge before being transferred to Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he had rehabilitation care in the stroke unit. During his time in hospital, he underwent surgery which replaced part of his skull with a titanium plate.
Paul, a volunteer ambassador for Stroke Association, said: “The Stroke Association helped me make the journey from being a patient to a person. This year I’ve taken part in a five kilometre fun run on Hunstanton's beach for the charity raising over £3,500.
“By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like me who are on the road to recovery.”
George Burroughs, Fundraising Manager for the Stroke Association said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.
“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Paul to conquer stroke.”
To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Related links
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 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
