The Stroke Association 'Doing More' in 2004 Annual Review

The Stroke Association launches their 2004 Annual Review today, entitled 'Doing More'. The 2004 Annual Review details the key achievements of The Stroke Association during the period 2003-2004, and also provides details of its plans for next year.

The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The last 12 months have marked a momentous year for the organisation. Professor Averil Mansfield, who joined The Stroke Association's Council in 1992, started in her new role as Chairman in January 2004, and April marked the announcement of new Chief Executive Jon Barrick.

Stroke patients and their families are directly helped through the Association's community services. The past year has marked the provision of 109 Dysphasia Support Services, that helped people who are experiencing communication problems after their stroke. 77 Family Support Services have offered information, advice and support to families and carers of people who have had the condition. £175,000 was spent on 1000 welfare grants, offering financial assistance to stroke survivors, and three pilot schemes offering support for young stroke survivors have also been established. 2005 will see the further development of these services, offering even more support to all stroke families and carers, particularly in Wales.

The Association spent a total of £2 million of donated money on supporting research into stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care at universities and hospitals around the UK. January marked the opening of The Stroke Association-funded Southampton Rehabilitation Research Centre, dedicated to investigating and developing effective rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors. A record £9 million was raised from fundraising activities to improve standards of care, support medical research and increase knowledge about stroke.

"Since becoming Chief Executive in April 2004 I have felt privileged to be part of a team that delivers so much service in so many ways to so many people," commented Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association.

"We have seen some tremendous developments and achievements in the work of The Stroke Association during the past 12 months, and I would like to thank all those who have been involved in this process. Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and the leading cause of severe disability. Through our campaigns, community services, fundraising, and research, The Stroke Association will continue to work hard to ensure that all stroke patients, their families and carers receive the care, support and treatment that they deserve. "

For any additional copies of the Annual Review please contact our 24 hour answer phone service on 01604 623919 whereby the requested numbers of copies will be posted out to you.

Download a copy of the Annual Review Annual Review 2004

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For media enquiries, please contact a member of the Media Team on 020 7566 1500, e-mail press@stroke.org.uk or visit The Stroke Association's web site at www.stroke.org.uk.

Notes to editor

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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