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​The Stroke Association and Anglian Water set out to conquer stroke during Make May Purple

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​The Stroke Association and Anglian Water set out to conquer stroke during Make May Purple

In a bid to conquer stroke, the Stroke Association has teamed up with Anglian Water in Lincoln to help reduce the biggest controllable risk factor of the condition.

More than 125 staff at Anglian Water based at Enterprise House, Waterside South, were able to get their blood pressure checked, and receive information and advice on steps to keep it under control at an event organised by the Stroke Association.

The event was organised to mark Make May Purple, the charity’s annual stroke awareness month by former Anglian Water employee and stroke survivor John Smejka, and his wife Paula.

John, 59 from Navenby, was a programme manager at Anglian Water, managing a team of around 17 staff, until he had a stroke in 2011. Left with communication difficulties and weakness on his right side, John was no longer able to work. His fiancée of three months, Paula gave up her job to care for him. Paula and John now work closely alongside the Stroke Association, volunteering and helping to raise awareness of the devastating condition.

Paula Smejka said: “High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer because it doesn’t have any symptoms and many people have no idea their health may be at risk. Over nine million people in the UK currently have high blood pressure but estimates suggest there could be up to almost seven million people who are undiagnosed and at risk. John and I were thrilled to organise the Know Your Blood Pressure event with Anglian Water and hopefully help to reduce employees’ risk of having a stroke.”

The Stroke Association runs Know your Blood Pressure events throughout the year. To find your nearest blood pressure event, visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp.

The Stroke Association is calling on everyone to sign up to Make May Purple in 2016. During the month of May, the charity is raising awareness of the impact of stroke, and sharing information and advice on how to help prevent the condition across the country. To find out more about this year’s Make May Purple and how you can get involved, please visit www.stroke.org.uk/makemaypurple

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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

Contacts

Angela Macleod

Angela Macleod

Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594

Scott Weddell

Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, and Northern Ireland activities 02075661528
Ken Scott

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
Daisy Dighton

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
Martin Oxley

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England 0207 566 1548
Sokina Miah

Sokina Miah

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0207 566 0337
Katie Taylor

Katie Taylor

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
Out of hours contact

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries 07799 436008

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The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

Stroke Association
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EC1V 2PR London
UK