David Shilling puts the Hat on Stroke Awareness

David Shilling, internationally renowned British artist and hat designer, encouraged everyone to don a hat and support Grand Hat Day 2002 which was on Friday March 15th. The charity stirred up a hat revival - just for one day.

The Stroke Association's annual millinery event, helped raise vital funds for research into stroke through £1.00 donations from all participants. Stroke is the number one cause of severe disability in England and Wales with over 100,000 individuals suffering first strokes each year. Too few people realise that stroke is not just an 'old persons' illness. About 10,000 people who are affected by stroke are under the age of 55 and each year stroke accounts for more deaths than breast cancer among women.

David Shilling saw stroke's life shattering effects for himself when his father died suddenly from a stroke some years ago. He also knows many people whose lives have been cruelly changed after suffering a stroke. As a result he is extremely keen to support The Stroke Association's Grand Hat Day.

David Shilling says: "Stroke is a devastating condition which will affect most of us directly or indirectly at some time or another. What surprises me, is that even babies and children are left paralysed, or worse, by this terrible condition and I am saddened by the effects this has on those around them. I am delighted to support The Stroke Association's Grand Hat Day. Wearing a hat, whether it's wacky or chic, can be fun and, if it raises awareness of the devastating effects stroke causes and at the same time raises money, I take my hat off to it and urge everyone to put their hats on for The Stroke Association."

For further information on The Stroke Association and to receive a Grand Hat Day fundraising pack, please call 020 8695 6557.

Ends

For additional press information on Grand Hat Day or stroke, please contact
The Stroke Association Press Office:
Telephone 020 7566 0328/1515
Fax 020 7490 3073

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