Back our marathon charge to fight the UK's third biggest killer

The 2006 Flora London Marathon may seem a long way down the track but the ballot is open and places are up for grabs to join The Stroke Association team.

The Stroke Association is the Official Charity of the 2006 Flora London Marathon so now is the perfect time to help us build one of the biggest teams in the event and run for a charity recently awarded Medical Charity of the Year 2005.

Every five minutes someone in England and Wales has a stroke. It is a brain attack and can happen to anyone at anytime. Of all the people who have a stroke, about a third are likely to be left with disabilities and needing rehabilitation.

“The money raised from the Marathon will help us fund more vital stroke services and research to help those affected by stroke. It will also provide a platform to educate more people on how to prevent the UK’s third biggest killer” said Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association.

When you apply for a place on The Stroke Association team you will receive an enquiry pack full of essential information and a step -by -step guide on how to secure your spot. Once you are part of our team we will support you all the way from the rain-soaked training tantrums of midwinter to inspiring fundraising tips and how to negotiate that tricky emu costume.

The closing date for ballot entries is Friday October 21st. Application forms can be picked up in ‘Marathon News’ (a free magazine published by Flora London Marathon) and is available from over 2,000 sports shops across the UK. As the official charity we’ve also got hundreds of guaranteed places.

The Stroke Association aims to raise £1 million to support people affected by stroke but we need your help. Imagine the adrenaline rush as you cross the finish line; your limbs may well be aching like never before but you will have been part of an amazing event and raised money to directly benefit the quarter of a million people currently living with stroke in the UK. Join us, run for The Stroke Association - we know you’ll love it.

For more information please call Ellie on our marathon hotline: 020 7566 1524 or email londonmarathon@stroke.org.uk

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact the Media Team on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editor

1. Each year over 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.

2. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combatting 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.

4. The Stroke Association were awarded Medical Charity of the Year by the Medical Journalist's Association in July 2005.

5. The Flora London Marathon takes place on Sunday April 23rd 2006

6. The London Marathon hotline is 020 7902 0200

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