The Stroke Association appoints Joe Korner as Director of Communications

The Stroke Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Korner as it's new Director of Communications. Joe began his new role as head of The Stroke Association's campaigning and PR activities on Monday 24th January 2005.

Before joining The Stroke Association Joe was Director of Corporate Affairs at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for eighteen months. Previous experience includes an early career in campaigning for the United Nations Association, followed by eight years at the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) working on their PR and campaigning work.

Commenting on his new role within The Stroke Association, Joe Korner says, "I am joining the Stroke Association at a very important time as more and more people recognise that stroke is the third biggest killer and the biggest cause of severe disability in the UK.

There is great work being done by the Association and I aim to help to raise awareness of stroke even more. I'm keen to increase the influence we can have with Government and decision makers so that stroke gets greater priority within health and social services and everyone affected by stroke gets the support and services they need."

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said:
"We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Joe Korner as The Stroke Association's new Director of Communications. Joe has achieved an excellent reputation within the charity sector and his recruitment is another indication of the growth occurring within The Stroke Association.

Joe brings with him a wealth of experience and we are confident he will play a crucial role in successfully implementing The Stroke Association's mission to improve our campaigning and influencing and extending awareness of stroke and The Stroke Association through greater prominence in the media."

For further information please contact the Media Office on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editor

1. We run a national Stroke Information telephone helpline 0845 30 33 100.

2. 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. 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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