Our Life After Stroke Awards recognise the achievements of everyone affected by stroke. We celebrate stroke survivors for showing tremendous spirit and determination after their stroke. We also commend carers, volunteers, stroke clubs and health professionals who are with stroke survivors every step of the way.

Learn about our very deserving winners below by watching their stories:

Fundraiser of the Year Award: Lucy Trafford, sponsored by Lord Ashcroft

When Lucy tragically and suddenly lost her mother to a stroke in 2016, she decided she wanted to do something positive to remember her. Lucy contacted us and with the support of her father, Richard, and sister, Katie, she set up Saddle for Stroke, a three-day London to Paris cycling challenge.

Lucy recruited over 100 participants and has raised over £100,000!

Sponsored by Lord Ashcroft

Corporate Supporter of the Year: Well

In February 2017, the Stroke Association and Well Pharmacy joined forces to try and reduce people's risk of stroke across the UK. The national pharmacy chain is raising funds for our Know Your Blood Pressure campaign, which helps people to lower their risk of stroke by providing blood pressure checks within local communities.

With 780 pharmacies across the UK, Well are passionate about providing people with personalised healthcare and well-being support. They offer free blood pressure checks and advice in its stores nationwide, helping more people than ever before take steps to reduce their risk of stroke.

In February 2017, the Stroke Association and Well Pharmacy joined forces to try and reduce people's risk of stroke across the UK. The national pharmacy chain is raising funds for our Know Your Blood Pressure campaign, which helps people to lower their risk of stroke by providing blood pressure checks within local communities.

With 780 pharmacies across the UK, Well are passionate about providing people with personalised healthcare and well-being support. They offer free blood pressure checks and advice in its stores nationwide, helping more people than ever before take steps to reduce their risk of stroke.

In February 2017, the Stroke Association and Well Pharmacy joined forces to try and reduce people's risk of stroke across the UK. The national pharmacy chain is raising funds for our Know Your Blood Pressure campaign, which helps people to lower their risk of stroke by providing blood pressure checks within local communities.

With 780 pharmacies across the UK, Well are passionate about providing people with personalised healthcare and well-being support. They offer free blood pressure checks and advice in its stores nationwide, helping more people than ever before take steps to reduce their risk of stroke.

Award for Volunteering: Amber Garland

When Amber was 19, she had several massive strokes. To save her life, she was put into a coma and had to have part of her skull removed to relieve the swelling on her brain.

After a year of rehabilitation, where she learned to walk and talk again, Amber began volunteering and is now an ambassador for us. Despite her aphasia, she regularly gives talks in schools, holds blood pressure events, and is a great support to other stroke survivors.

Children and Young People's Courage Award: Neil Ferguson

Neil was a bright, sporty 13-year-old who loved playing rugby and swimming. In late 2015, his life changed dramatically when he became suddenly unable to move his arm or speak at all. At the hospital, Neil's family were told he'd had a stroke, caused by a rugby tackle a few weeks earlier.

Neil has approached his intensive therapy with positivity, courage and determination, working hard to maximise his progress. He has returned to school and has achieved his goal of learning to swim again with one arm, as well as taking up canoeing, kayaking and riding a tandem bike.

Professional Excellence Award: David Hargroves, sponsored by Omron

David is Consultant Physician and Clinical Lead for Stroke Medicine at East Kent Hospital University Foundation Trust. He's dedicated to delivering the best stroke care from prevention to long-term rehabilitation and has been instrumental in the reorganisation of stroke services in Kent and Medway.

David works tirelessly to provide his patients with the best possible care and support. He's regarded as passionate and highly motivated by his colleagues, peers, local GPs, and anybody that he comes into contact with. His focus on stroke treatments, improving the lives of stroke survivors and building multi-specialist stroke teams, enables patients to achieve the best life after stroke.

Sponsored by Omron

Award for Creative Arts: Richard Raynor

Richard began to pursue his passion for photography after he had a stroke very suddenly at the age of 31 which left him unable to speak. He has shown amazing courage and motivation, working hard to recover some of his speech.

Richard has been unable to return to his job as a business consultant because of his aphasia, so has dedicated his time to volunteering for research projects instead, raising awareness of stroke as well as working on his photography. This fast became more than a hobby and he's now developing his talents professionally. His beautiful and captivating images capture his positive attitude towards his recovery.

Carer's Award: Edward Pearce, sponsored by Well

Edward was nine when his dad, Andrew, had a stroke in 2013. Edward knew his dad needed support with daily living, so decided to do all he could to help him. Every day Edward helps with cooking, cleaning and washing clothes, as well as helping Andrew to wash and dress.

Despite the demands of his responsibilities, Edward is doing incredibly well at school. He is also the top scorer in his football team, and he and his dad make time as often as they can to enjoy matches together.

Sponsored by Well

Adult Courage Award (65+): Dawn Minker, sponsored by Vision Express

When Dawn was seven years old, she was taken, without explanation, from her home in Jersey to Guy's Hospital in London. She had difficulties with communication and so was sent away to a special needs school and also underwent some medical procedures, but was never told why. Nevertheless, she was determined to get on with her life, overcome her communication issues, meet new people and strike out on her own.

For more than 40 years, Dawn's childhood experiences remained a mystery to her, until she finally discovered that she'd had a stroke when she was a baby. Since then, Dawn has used her experience to help other stroke survivors on the Isle of Wight, helping out at Stroke Cafés across the island and raising awareness of stroke.

Sponsored by Vision Express

Stroke Group Award: Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell

Neath Port Talbot Stroke Group is a friendly group of stroke survivors and partners that meet regularly to help each other build a more meaningful life after stroke. They warmly welcome new members and offer a wide range of interesting activities.

Sponsored by Irwin Mitchell(link is external)

Adult Courage Award (18-64): Clodagh Dunlop, sponsored by Waverton Investment Management

In 2015 Clodagh was working as a police officer when she had a devastating brain stem stroke which left her with locked-in syndrome.

For three months, Clodagh was unable to move or speak and could only communicate by blinking. Fortunately, Clodagh was able to break out of the locked-in state and after six months of intensive rehabilitation and hard work, she fulfilled her goal and walked out of the hospital.

Clodagh has since returned to work as a Police Officer. She frequently dedicates her time to raising awareness of stroke, sharing her incredible story to help and inspire other stroke survivors and professionals.

Sponsored by Waverton Investment Management