FULL SUPPORT FOR STROKE AWARNESS WEEK IN WALES

The Welsh Assembly Government have voiced their support to endorse Stroke Awareness Week. Many Assembly Members have contributed in making this years event a success. Cross Party support has been pledged by Assembly Members this week in a statement of opinion tabled by Val Lloyd AM, which urges members to push stroke awareness to the top of the agenda.

The statement has been supported by Assembly Members, Val Lloyd, AM for Swansea East. Ann Jones, AM for Vale of Clwyd. Lorraine Barratt, AM for Cardiff South & Penarth. Christine Chapman, AM for Cynon Valley. Sandy Mewies, AM for Delyn and Dai Lloyd AM for South Wales West.

"As Assembly Members we fully support Stroke Awareness Week. This Assembly notes the importance of raising awareness to protect against strokes, which can often lead to devastating consequences. As Assembly Members we will also promote the value of a healthy and nutritional diet which reduces the risk of strokes and other associated illness. Eating several portions of fruit and vegetables a day reduces the
risk of a stroke. Strokes are the third biggest killer in Wales and each year over 130,000 people in Wales and England have strokes."

Julie Morgan, MP for Cardiff North said:

"I am very impressed with the material that the Stroke Association has produced for The Stroke Awareness Week. My mother had a severe stroke 4 years ago and I have been her carer ever since. I know the terrible toll that strokes take on individuals and families and I believe everything possible should be done to prevent strokes happening. I am particularly pleased that The Stroke Association is targeting children because eating habits and patterns of exercise are formed very early in life. These
materials are bright and attractive - good luck with your campaign."

Dr Ruth Hall, Chief Medical Officer for The Welsh Assembly Government and Mrs Ann Lloyd, Chief Executive NHS Wales, gave affirmation for Eat a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke. They said:

'We welcome The Stroke Association's campaign "Eat a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke." It's important that we all adopt a healthy diet and consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day to help reduce the risk of stroke and many other chronic conditions such as some cancers and coronary heart disease. Health Challenge Wales is the new national focus for better health in Wales, which will encourage people and organisations to take more action to improve their health and well-being, the "Eat a Rainbow - Beat a Stroke" campaign is an excellent example of how a voluntary organisation can contribute to Health Challenge Wales.'

Note: Any of the above statements should be regarded as personal and not necessarily those of the National Assembly for Wales, any constituent part, or any connected body.

Catherine Griffith, Public Affairs Officer for Wales of The Stroke Association said:

"Stroke is the third biggest killer in Wales and the single largest cause of severe disability. A stroke attacks the brain, people need to be aware that a stroke can happen to anyone at any time. It has been fantastic to have such a high level of support and enthusiasm from Assembly Members. There seems to be a real commitment to stroke sufferers and to develop further services for stroke in Wales. I look forward to contributing to the development of a stroke standard which is a key part of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People. The Stroke Association continues to develop work with communities throughout Wales, providing direct support to all those affected by stroke and campaigning for stroke prevention, treatment, care and research to be given a high priority in Wales."


Members of the general public wishing to get further information on Stroke Awareness Week should contact The Stroke Association on 01604 623919, e-mail strokeawareness@stroke.org.uk or visit The Stroke Association's website on www.stroke.org.uk

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For media enquiries, please contact Catherine Griffith at The Stroke Association on 029 2052 1495, e-mail Catherine Griffith
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Stroke Information Help line: 0845 30 33 100

Notes to editor

· Each year over 130,000 people in Wales and England 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.
· 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.
· 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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