The Stroke Association and Royal Mail

The Stroke Association's new two year Charity of the Year partnership with Royal Mail began on Monday 8 September 2014 and they were absolutely delighted that almost 40,000 Royal Mail employees voted for The Stroke Association to be their new Charity of the Year in their 2014 employee survey.

Both Royal Mail and the Stroke Association play an important role at the heart of UK communities and together we can make a huge difference to so many people’s lives.

Supporting life after stroke

Royal Mail aims to raise £2 million which would support 10,000 stroke survivors and their families by funding vital Life After Stroke Grants. For every penny raised by Royal Mail employees, up to £1 million, Royal Mail will match it.

Life After Stroke Grants support stroke survivors and their families to overcome some of the most difficult challenges in their lives. They provide long term benefit to aid recovery. But their real impact is the way in which they provide practical support, sustain stroke survivors emotionally, build confidence, and provide a route back into their community.

There are two types of grants available to stroke survivors:

 Recovery grants

 These fund a range of vital home and equipment modifications such as handrails, specialist kitchen appliances or adapted wheelchairs.

Activity grants

These support stroke survivors to make their way back into their local communities by funding a range of activities linked to their recovery plan.

Working together

Royal Mail employees will be getting stuck into a whole host of activities over the next two years, from fundraising to learning about our FAST campaign and Know Your Blood Pressure. 

In addition to fundraising, Royal Mail staff will have access to a range of volunteering opportunities with the Stroke Association, from helping out at fundraising events to joining our community Life After Stroke groups to provide direct support to people affected by stroke.
 

WORLD STROKE DAY - 29TH OCTOBER 2014

Today is World Stroke Day and the emphasis this year is about women and stroke.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in women in the U.K. and kills three times as many women as breast cancer.  Yet many women are still not aware of the risks.

Do YOU know what your Blood Pressure is, what the FAST test is or do you have regular blood tests?
If not - why not - get checked out soon and go to your G.P. for regular checks.

One in eight women in the UK wrongly believes that a stroke could never happen to them, according to the findings of a poll published today by The Stroke Association.

Around 30,000 women die from a stroke every year and the condition is the second biggest killer worldwide.

Strokes can hit you out of nowhere and rob you of your speech, your ability to walk, your memory, your independence and your dignity.

Regional Head of Operations in Yorkshire and the Humber at the Stroke Association, said: “It’s extremely worrying that most women don’t even have stroke on their radar. We know that women’s stroke risk significantly increases as they get older, and one in five women will have a stroke in their lifetime.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to women of all ages to be aware and better informed of the steps they can take to reduce their stroke risk. Simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, exercising regularly and stopping smoking, could significantly lower women’s likelihood of having a stroke"

Remember those vital regular checks and avoid potential months/years of recovery.

Stoptober 2014

You are twice as likely to have a stroke if you smoke.

Public Health England’s Stoptober campaign is back for its third year – encouraging the nation’s 8 million smokers to stop smoking for 28 days. If you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. You will begin to experience financial, physical and health benefits including a better sense of taste and smell and a reduced risk of stroke, lung cancer and heart disease.

Are you in? Let us know if you’ll be taking part in the Stoptober challenge this October:http://strk.org.uk/1mlYOVR

Can I tell you about having a Stroke? A guide for friends, family and professionals

Stroke is a complex condition and it can be challenging to explain its physical and emotional effects, particularly to a younger audience. 

We've come across this book 'Can I tell you about having a stroke' which is designed to help explain the complex subject of stroke to a younger audience. It tells the story of Grandad Fred, who recently had a stroke. 

Professor Tony Rudd, national clinical director for stroke, says: “Stroke can be a terrifying experience for both the patient and the family. This wonderful little book explains everything clearly and will I am sure both educate and reassure families who have to live through a very difficult experience.” 

The book is available online now: http://strk.org.uk/1BJUjsR

In the book you: 

Meet Fred - a man who has had a stroke. Fred invites readers to learn about what it is like to have a stroke from his perspective, helping them to understand the challenges faced by someone who has had a stroke and the ways in which they might have to adapt their lifestyle. He also gives advice on how to offer support to someone who has had a stroke, from diagnosis through to rehabilitation.

With illustrations throughout, this useful book will be ideal for anyone who knows someone who has had a stroke, from child to adult. It will help readers to understand and explain what a stroke is and encourage open discussion among family members, carers and friends.

Edwyn Collins of Orange Juice and the film of his recovery

In February 2005 Edwyn Collins suffered a stroke which left him struggling to walk and talk. Film-makers James Hall and Edward Lovelace filmed the former Orange Juice frontman's recovery, depicting his state of mind while he struggles to recover his playing ability.

The film had its world premiere at SXSW 2014.

It will be released on iTunes on 20th October and wil  be in UK cinemas from 7th November.

Here is the link:
http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2014/sep/16/the-possibilities-are-endless-trailer-stroke-edwyn-collins-video

Book of Short Stories to aid The Stroke Association

 Francis Brown's book is now on sale - a collection of work that he intended to be read only by his grandchildren.

Now published to raise money for The Stroke Association


http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8351115.Short_stories_book_to_aid_The_Stroke_Association/

World Hypertension Day 18th May 2014

Saturday May 18th is World Hypertension Day. 

 

Did you know that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single largest risk factor for stroke that you can control? 

Why not bg along to a free drop-in Know Your Blood Pressure check, organised by Stroke Association and Rotary International, during Action on Stroke Month? 

 

Find your nearest event here:    http://strk.org.uk/1qIiHYS

Busy Spring and Fun Run

I'm back!  March, April and now May have been busy months and it should be time to try and have a little rest before we go off to visit family in London and also the Chelsea Flower Show.

I have continued to try and keep attending the Chairobics class, but the infection that I had around February left me very debilitated and so I had to temporarily suspend these sessions. If I get poorly I have to firstly recover and get better and then move up a second gear to get to where I was previously, in effect working twice as hard to recover. This is somewhat frustrating, but I have learnt that it is all part of how I now am after the stroke.

March was the month for the annual cricket club trip and this year it was to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The party was large this year with 30 people, so I had plenty of minders!
Three day trips had been included and the country did not disappoint, stunning scenery, friendly people and very clean. The weather was glorious, sunny and warm all week and a one local informed us was "freak" for the time of year.
We visited Lake Bled, Piran & Portoroz and Postojnska Caves, the remainder of the time was spent discovering Ljubljana. A trip which was very memorable. On our last day I was helped to the top of the tower at Ljubljana Castle, which was accessed by a spiral staircase. This proved to be a step too far and I heard a cracking sound, unfortunately I had damaged one of my knees, which required treatment on our return.

Lake Bled

 

Portoroz

Ljubljana

Favourite Street

 

 The statue was covered one day when it was a Bank Holiday - possibly a Holy Day - we are not sure.

During April I hosted my annual coffee morning for Stroke, the support was incredible this year and the money that was raised went directly to assist the running of local Stroke support groups.

The, last Sunday, 4 days ago, I took part in our local Fun Run.  The idea started off as a personal challenge to myself, but people said that I should consider being sponsored. A friend offered to walk with me as did my husband. So the day arrived and I was pleased that I could take part and raise the awareness of Stroke in the Stroke Association's "Action on Stroke" month.

In the garden - Pre-Race

 I had a lot of support during the run and it was quite funny that when I was on my outward stretch the first runners were passing us on their way back, but the youngsters were big hearted in their encouragement. The weather was good during the run, sunny but not too hot and this was welcome after standing on the start line in a very heavy rain shower.

I use the word run - but I actually walked the 2.5miles course in just slightly over one hour.
When we reached the last Marshall she escorted us back to the school field and had even arranged for the man on the P.A. to mention that I had arrived. People were clapping on the last stretch and I was overjoyed that I had finished. Even yougsters were standing at the "crowd barrier" clapping and shouting "Well done".

Entering the field on our way back

Getting nearer the end line

And nearer . . 

Hurrah!  (Husband and friend let me finish before them!)

My running shoes are now hung up! I have been totally overwhelmed and humbled by the level of support that I have received. The donations that have been received means that the Stroke Association can carry on their research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and also assist stroke patients annd their families.

What began as an idea gathered momentum and I have been lucky to have been able to have taken part and raised the awareness of Stroke. I have had to learn to walk again and after almost 5 years my recovery is still continuing. I still have some way to go yet, but with determination and focus who knows what can  be achieved.

Action on Stroke Month: May 2014

Action on Stroke Month is coming to a town near you!

There is now less than three weeks to go until Action on Stroke Month kicks off on 1st May. Are you ready to take action?

A range of activities will be taking place across the UK to help raise awareness of stroke. Take a look at the Stroke Association's interactive map to find out what local events you can get involved in and help to get stroke the attention it deserves!

Find an event near you: http://strk.org.uk/1oTb9lc

I am having my own "Action on Stroke Day" on Sunday May 11th when I will be participating in our local 2.5miles Fun Run. I am walking around the course with my husband and a friend who will no doubt be able to keep me focussed.
I am raising money for the Stroke Association whose suppoprt and resources I have found invaluable since my Stroke in 2009. Hopefully, not only will I be able to raise awareness of Stroke, but achieve this personal target.

If you would like to sponsor me, I would be really grateful as your generosity really will help the vital work of the Stroke Association.


You can do this by donating on line:

http://www.justgiving.com/Shirley-Holden1.

 

Vote for Life After Stroke

     

The Stroke Association has been given the opportunity to win £10,000 from Candis Magazine but we need your help! We have two weeks to get the most votes so please take a minute to vote for us and SHARE with your friends and family. Every vote counts! 

 Vote now at: http://strk.org.uk/1nWz7eG 


A quarter of strokes happen to people of working age. Many face a battle to cope with the loss of their past identity and to get back into work. The project will help stroke survivors identify new jobs and offer support to them and their employers as they re-enter work.

Find out more about our Back to Work Project at: http://strk.org.uk/1nJTJqz

Know your Blood Pressure

Do you know what your Blood Pressure reading is?


I have just had mine checked and it is 130/78

Public Health England's act FAST campaign

 Have you seen the new Act FAST adverts on television yet?

We are working with Public Health England to make sure as many people as possible know to Act FAST to save a life. The sooner someone who has had a stroke can be treated, the greater their chances of survival and recovery.

Please watch and share Public Health England's Act FAST advert below.

To find out more information on recognising the signs of stroke please visit:
 http://strk.org.uk/1ekLoQl



 Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYHaSyN5eeg&feature=youtu.be

My local Fun Run - Sunday May 11th 2014

This year I am determined to participate in the Knaresborough Fun Run, on Sunday May 11th, although my pace is going to be a lot more leisurely than it will for a lot of other people because of my Stroke.

As you will know if you have read my blog, the stroke affected the entire right side of my body and the vision in my left eye. Since then I have had to have a lot of physiotherapy and support from professionals, my husband, family and friends and have had to re-learn to do the things many people take for granted: walking, writing, even feeding myself. I still have some way to go before I’m back to my old self - the last piece of the complex jigsaw to recovery is to fully regain the use of my right hand and arm.

I’m taking part in the Fun Run because I want to raise money for the Stroke Association whose support and resources I have found invaluable. I have previously hosted coffee mornings and concerts for them, but doing the Fun Run means that not only can I raise money, but completing the course will beanother target achieved in my road to recovery.

I have set up a JustGiving page if anyone would like to support my cause please follow the link:

www.justgiving.com/Shirley-Holden1 

I will keep you posted on training and the event.

New Year - and another year to recover

 As we turn the calendar over to start another year, my personal target is to make significant progress with my right arm. I do feel as though things are changing, however it still requires a lot of input from me.
This coming July will see the 5th anniversary of my Stroke - how time has slipped over - which makes my more resolute in my endeavours to combat my incapacities.

Christmas 2013 was a joyful time as our family came to stay with us, including our two year old granddaughter. How delightful to have a child's prescence at this magical time. She knows that I have something wrong with me and is always efficient at giving me my walking stick when we go out! I have simply told her that I have a "poorly arm" and she accepts that I am not the perfect playmate, not only have I a poorly arm, but I cannot sit on the floor exactly where she would like me to be or lift her up, but we have that understanding.

There has been a shift in my husband's families circumstances, which has resulted in his mother living alone in their bungalow and his father in a residential care home. Far from ideal after almost 73 years of marriage. This in turn, has resulted in us visiting on a weekly basis - something not long ago that I could not have contemplated. I am far more able to withstand the journey and the visiting of other relatives whilst we are there. Sometimes I do feel tired on the following day, but nothing as severe as it used to be.

As you will be aware, if you keep up to date with my blog, towards the end of last year my G.P. changed the medication that I had been taking post-stroke. The blood pressure tablet was reduced by half and my statin was changed for a different brand. Over the following initial week or two I noticed that my joints, in particular my fingers and knees were less painful, resulting in the ability to walk a distance without pain. I am now able to walk around two and a half to three miles with a coffee stop on route. This has been another huge milestone for me and really lifted my spirits, especially as people are beginning to comment on the difference. I am feeling confident enough to undertake longer walks on my own, however, I do carry a phone with me incase I get into difficulties.
If my application is sucessful I am hoping to walk around the local Fun Run in May - another personal target for 2014.


 I have restarted the weekly chairobics class which gives me gentle stretching exercises in a group session. There is no pressure on any class member and we take it in our own time and achieve what we can at that particular time and day.

All of these things combined, have seen me eating and sleeping better, my weight loss target has been achieved and generally I am feeling more confident over a whole range of things that seemed impossible at one time.

I am not complacent and know that regular blood tests and blood presure checks will be the norm, but I feel that 2014 will be a bigger turning point than previously.

As I have said many times: Recovery is a marathon not a sprint - but with patience, perseverence it can be achieved.

Action on Stroke Month 2014

Action on Stroke Month

Action on Stroke Month is for everyone. It's designed to provide a focus on stroke in the media and across communities. We want to reach everyone who has been affected by stroke and grow the stroke community.  Read about Action on Stroke Month 2012 and 2013.

Plans for Action on Stroke Month 2014 are now in full swing. The first newsletters have been produced, and are available to view here. To sign up to receive newsletters automatically click sign up below:

Community fairs

Hosting a community fair is a great way to celebrate Action on Stroke Month.
When organising your fair you may want to include:

• Know Your Blood Pressure stall
• Sip for Stroke stand with tea, coffee and cakes
• A Step out for Stroke sponsored walk
• Stalls from local organisations and groups
• Family amusements, music, demonstrations

Register your community fair and event(s) by clicking below:

Join the stroke community...
Would you like to prevent more people having a stroke and help those who've already had a stroke make their best possible recovery? You can get involved by joining our stroke community. You'll receive regular updates about our UK wide campaigning work.

 For further information follow the link:
http://www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_content=Sign%20up%20event&utm_campaign=AOSM