Press release -
New Chair appointed to lead the Stroke Association
The Stroke Association has appointed Stephen King as the charity’s new Chair Designate.
Stephen is a long-serving trustee of the charity Sightsavers International and is deputy chair of NHS West Essex. Prior to retiring in 2013, he spent 23 years as an executive director of RNIB. He follows in the footsteps of Sir David Varney, who stepped down in December 2016, after four years as the charity’s Chair.
Stephen said: “It is a privilege to be part of the Stroke Association, which has already achieved so much for stroke survivors, their families and carers. Stroke has affected members of my family and I know how devastating the condition can be. The charity’s work to fund pioneering research, campaign for better stroke care, and push for greater awareness of stroke has never been more crucial. I hope I can help the Stroke Association find new ways to prevent stroke, and support even more stroke survivors throughout their recovery.”
Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is the second biggest killer in the world, and in the UK there are over 1.2 million stroke survivors living with the impact of the condition. Recent reports predict a looming stroke epidemic, with the number of strokes expected to rise dramatically by 2035. We are delighted to welcome Stephen as our new Chair to help achieve our vision for a world where there are fewer strokes, and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. ”
Stephen King will become Chair of the Stroke Association on 01 August 2017. For more information about stroke and the Stroke Association, visit www.stroke.org.uk