UK's 3rd Biggest Killer Gets Marathon Boost

The Stroke Association aims to raise £1million after being chosen by the Flora London Marathon as one of the two official charities for the 2006 event.

"This is brilliant news and a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle which can reduce the risk of stroke," said Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association. "The money raised from the Marathon will help us fund more vital stroke services and research to help those affected by stroke. And it will provide a platform to educate more people on how to prevent the UK's 3rd biggest killer.

Every five minutes someone in England and Wales has a stroke. But this could be massively reduced because stoke is a preventable as well as treatable condition. Thanks to the Marathon we will be able to boost our prevention campaigning - especially focussing on high blood pressure - the biggest single risk factor for stroke."

40 per cent of all strokes are attributed to high blood pressure. However for every ten people who die of stroke, four could have been saved if they had arranged regular blood pressure measurements and then followed medical advice. The Stroke Association has ambitious plans to use this opportunity to improve public awareness of stroke and encourage as many people as possible to get their blood pressure checked. Free blood pressure testing will be available in the months before and on the day of the marathon for runners and members of public.

Stroke is a brain attack and can happen to anyone at anytime. It is estimated that 40 per cent of all strokes could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, regular blood pressure checks, treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) and taking steps to improve overall health. Over 130,000 people have a stroke each year and it is the biggest single cause of serious disability in the UK.

The Stroke Association National Events Team aims to make 2006 their biggest and best Marathon yet and challenge anyone wishing to run for The Stroke Association to achieve their personal best. To run for The Stroke Association on 23rd April 2006, please contact National Events on 0207 566 0311 or email londonmarathon@stroke.org.uk for more information on how to secure your place and join our team!

ENDS

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

Notes to editor

1. 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. 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 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.

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.

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