2005 Life After Stroke Awards launched

The Stroke Association launches its 2005 Life After Stroke Awards today and is welcoming nominations for all its award categories. The winners of the awards will be announced at a star-studded ceremony being held on April 26th at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Each year over 130,000 people have a stroke, and a quarter of a million people are left with long-term disabilities as a result. The Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by Pfizer, were created by The Stroke Association as a way to recognise the tremendous achievements and courage of people who have rebuilt their lives after their strokes or helped others to do the same as a carer or volunteer.

There are five different categories for the Life After Stroke Awards:

· Three Courage Awards, for children and young people under 18 yrs, adults aged 18-54 yrs and those aged 55 years and over.
· A Carer's Award for people who show their commitment to caring by providing personal care and emotional support for a stroke survivor.
· The Susie Hulks Memorial Award for Art, awarded to stroke survivors who have expressed themselves creatively in the visual arts.
· The Richard Thomas Community Award which recognises stroke survivors who have gone on to make a positive contribution to their community, for instance as a public figure or as a volunteer.
· A Volunteer Award for volunteers of The Stroke Association who have demonstrated great dedication and compassion in supporting all stroke survivors, their families and carers.

Supporting this year's Awards, Secretary of State for Health John Reid says:

"A stroke turns lives upside down, yet many people show extraordinary courage and determination in coping with its aftermath. It is for these reasons that The Stroke Association has created these important awards.
The Life After Stroke Awards recognise the bravery people have shown in overcoming a stroke, and the considerable contributions made by others to care for and help those who have had a stroke. "

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association welcomed Dr Reid's support of the Life After Stroke Awards, adding:

"Every day The Stroke Association witnesses people showing incredible determination in their efforts to overcome the effects of stroke, including those who show true compassion and commitment in encouraging others to rebuild their lives by providing them with support as either a volunteer or carer."

"All these people are champions in our eyes. It is vital to celebrate their incredible achievements, which can also act as a positive focus for all stroke survivors, their families and carers."

Notes to editor

1. For media enquiries, please contact the media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0328 or e-mail press@stroke.org.uk. Please note that we have an ISDN facility. Stroke Information Help line: 0845 30 33 100

2. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke. The Stroke Association has nearly 3,000 volunteers working throughout England and Wales.

4. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

back to top|