Press release -
Stroke Association Makes May Purple in Liverpool
The Stroke Association will take over Liverpool’s Church Street on Friday 29 May to Make May Purple for stroke, when they’ll hold their Stroke in the City event to mark Action on Stroke Month.
From 9:30am, the city centre street will be a mass of purple as the Stroke Association team raises awareness of stroke. They’ll be providing advice on stroke prevention, including free blood pressure checks, while also raising vital funds for the charity.
High blood pressure remains the single biggest risk factor for stroke, contributing to over half of strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Visitors to the eventcan get their blood pressure checked, and receive information and advice on steps to keep it under control.
Kate Charles at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re hosting this event to help people in Liverpoolreduce their stroke risk. High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer because it doesn’t present symptoms and many people have no idea their health may be at risk. Over 9 million people in the UK are currently registered with high blood pressure, but it’s estimated there could be almost 7 million people who are currently undiagnosed and at risk.
“Getting your blood pressure checked is easy and quick. We hope to see many people from Liverpoolat Stroke in the City; it’s a simple way to reducing your risk of having a stroke.”
Dr Sandra Davies, Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council, comments: “We are delighted that the Stroke Association are holding the Stroke in the City event in Liverpool to raise awareness of Stroke, and would like to encourage everyone to come along to Church Street on 29th May and have their blood pressure taken.”
“In 2013/14 over 750 people from Liverpool were admitted to hospital for stroke. Many strokes can be prevented simply by leading a healthy, active lifestyle. We hope as many people as possible will come along to the event to learn about simple lifestyle changes they can make to reduce their risk and what to do if they recognise the symptoms of stroke in themselves and others.”
According to the Stroke Association there are around 14,600 strokes each year in the North West and over 157,370 people living with the effects of stroke.
To find out more about Action on Stroke Month events taking place near you and how you can get involved please visit www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth.
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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
