Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of stroke.

Anyone, including mums, dads, grandparents, young people and even children can be left unable to move, see, speak or swallow. It’s a traumatic, life-changing event that robs survivors and their families of the life they knew. However, with strength, determination and the right support recovery is possible.

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK offering lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of people every year. This includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones; from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world. We support them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life. 

Like Neill Howarth, 60, from Kettering who had a life changing stroke because of undiagnosed high blood pressure whilst at work. Neill, an electrical engineer, considered himself fit and healthy before his stroke. On the day of his stroke he suddenly collapsed at work. Remarkably, he was able to drive himself home but his wife, Bridget, could see how unwell he was and took him to hospital. When he arrived at A&E he’d lost the feeling
completely on his left side and was dragging his left leg. He remembers looking at the nurse and saying, ‘please don’t let me die’.

Neill received thrombolysis, a treatment which can break down the clot and disperse it before it causes damage to the brain. Whilst this ground-breaking treatment helped with his recovery, Neill is still left with the devastating impact of stroke.

Neill said “The stroke has completely changed my life. I have no feeling in my left arm and I find intricate tasks impossible. I get very frustrated with the tiniest things I used to do like tying my own shoelaces. My independence has completely gone too. All of this has had an impact on my mental health as prior to my stroke I was very independent and now I am totally reliant on others to support me.” 

Reflecting on the lead up to his stroke Neill said “Nevercould I imagine that I was a ticking time bomb. I was told by my doctor that my blood pressure  was high a few weeks prior to the stroke - but ultimately, it took having the stroke for me to realise just how serious high blood pressure is.” 

Someone has a stroke in the UK every five minutes, with high blood pressure accounting for around half of those. It’s important to regularly have your blood pressure checked. Other risk factors of stroke include a poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking. The Stroke Association supports stroke  survivors to make the best recovery they can. To find out more about our work visit www.stroke.org.uk 

To help support and raise funds for the Stroke Association, BMRA needs raffle prize donations at both the Golf Day and Annual Dinner, as well as members to take part in auctions and purchase raffle tickets. To donate a prize please email [email protected].