Special Awards for Stroke

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Embargoed 12:00pm (noon)
Wednesday 20 June 2012

A host of celebrities today (Wednesday 20 June) honour the courage and achievements of stroke survivors, carers and volunteers at Stroke Association’s annual Life After Stroke Awards in a star studded event at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

Legendary radio DJ and breakfast presenter, Neil ‘Doctor’ Fox, is hosting the awards and celebrity guest presenters include: TV’s much loved news reader and presenter Angela Rippon OBE; rugby legend, Sky Sports pundit and stroke survivor Michael Lynagh; star of ITV’s Emmerdale and Dancing on Ice champion Hayley Tammadon; the UK’s best-loved TV doctor, Dr Hilary Jones; West End signing sensation and stage actor Louise Dearman; Britain’s Olympic medallist Shelly Rudman; celebrity hair stylist Toni Mascolo OBE of Toni & Guy; and TV style expert Nick Ede. 

Stroke Association believes in life after stroke and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. These awards, sponsored by Next, recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers alongside the great work and commitment of health professionals and groups.

Winners range from 19 year old Jessica Colborn who is battling back to fitness following a devastating stroke two years ago, to 31 year old Ross Dickie, who  has been provides round the clock care for his wife, Zoe, who had a stroke aged 26.

The ten categories and respective winners are:

  • Adult Courage Award (18-64): 43 year old Anthony Lewis from Jersey
  • Children and Young People’s Courage Award (up to 18): 19 year old Jessica Colborn from Northumberland
  • Adult Courage Award (65 years and over): 79 year old Bert Goodbourn from Essex
  • Award for Volunteering: 60 year old Dennis Hill from Redditch
  • Carer’s Award: 31 year old Ross Dickie from Scotland
  • Award for Art: 60 year old Angus Igwe from Hampshire
  • Stroke Group Award: Downham Market in Norfolk
  • Excellence in Primary Care Award: Whickham Medical Practice, Newcastle
  • Corporate Award: Boehringer Ingelheim, Berkshire
  • Trust Supporter Award: Donald Forrester Trust

Jon Barrick, Stroke Association Chief Executive, commented: “Around one million people in the UK live with the effects of stroke. The Life After Stroke Awards not only highlight how stroke can affect anyone at any age, but also the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke or helping others to do the same. I am delighted that we are able to recognise and celebrate these achievements with some of our loyal friends and supporters.” 

Hamilton & Inches, Scotland’s leading jewellers and Warrant Holders to Her Majesty the Queen, very generously redesigned the new trophy for the Life After Stroke Awards. More information on the Life After Stroke Awards and films about the winners can be found at www.stroke.org.uk/lasa.

ENDS

For further information, photographs of the awards and winners or to arrange interviews please contact Stroke Association’s media team on 020 7566 1500 or 07799 436 008 or email press@stroke.org.uk


Notes to Editors

  • Over 250 people from across the UK were nominated for a Life After Stroke Award in 2012 and all winners are available for interview.
  • The Life After Stroke Awards 2012 are sponsored by Next.
  • A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. Around 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over one million people in UK living with the effects of stroke.
  • The Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke.  We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk