​Wirral stroke survivor hosts fundraising event for the Stroke Association

A young stroke survivor from the Wirral is raising vital funds for the Stroke Association with a fundraising evening on Saturday 09 September.

Danielle Pownall, 30, has organised the event at Poulton Victoria Sports and Social Club in Wallasey from at 7:30pm. Danielle was inspired to fundraise for the charity after she had a spinal stroke in August 2014, when she was nine weeks pregnant. Danielle was in an induced coma for 12 days and paralysed from the neck down.

Once she awoke, Danielle’s movement gradually improved each day, and fortunately her baby was unharmed. Four weeks after her stroke, and thirteen weeks into her pregnancy, she slowly walked out of the hospital. Danielle’s daughter, Isla May, is now two years old. Danielle is working on her physiotherapy to improve the weakness in her left leg, and her husband, Tom, and mother help to care for her baby, Isla.

At the fundraising evening, guests can enjoy performances from singer Alan Triggs and a DJ, as well as a raffle, sweet cart and purple cupcakes. Danielle has also designed her own hoodies to help raise awareness of stroke, which have raised £150.

Danielle said: “I want people to know that a stroke can happen to anyone, of any age. I’m keen to show how important it is to remain positive; there is life after stroke. After the support I received from the Stroke Association, I’m keen to raise funds to help others get the support they need. I’d love people in the Wirral to come along and support the evening and help raise money for this cause that is close to my heart”.

Sian Thomas, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said “With around 100,000 strokes in the UK each year, it’s vital we have people like Danielle to help raise vital funds. We’re incredibly grateful to Danielle for her all of her support. At the Stroke Association we want to be there for everyone affected by a stroke, and the funds raised by Danielle at her fundraising event will help make this a reality.”

Tickets are available on the door for £5 per person. For more information about stroke, contact the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.