Call for people to rise to the 'Step Up For Stroke' challenge

The Stroke Association is calling on people from all over the UK to take up the challenge of walking from Lands End to John O Groats as part of Stroke Awareness Day celebrations on May 13th.

As many people as possible are being urged to Step Up For Stroke and reach the 3.5 million steps milestone, which is the approximate distance between these famous landmarks.

Walking 10,000 steps a day can help to reduce body fat, and to lower and prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol which are major risk factors for stroke.

Andrea Lane at The Stroke Association said: “We would like as many people to get involved in this event as possible. If we each aim to take 10,000 steps on 13th May, together we will easily reach the 3.5 million steps milestone.

“An estimated 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year and taking part in this fundraising event is a great way of keeping active and raising money for a worthy cause. And to help you on your way, we are giving away a free pedometer to anyone who wants to get involved in Step Up For Stroke.”

The event is open to everyone of all abilities, if you are unable to walk 10,000 steps – set yourself a personal target and join in. Every step counts towards the 3.5 million total steps.

If you would like to take part in Step Up For Stroke please call 020 7940 1347 or email stepup@stroke.org.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. To mark Stroke Awareness Day, the MySpace Impact UK page will be featuring stroke from 8–14 May 2008: uk.myspace.com/impactuk

2. Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK 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.

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.

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