Weston-super-Mare stroke survivor takes a Step Out for Stroke in Clarence Park

Press release -

Weston-super-Mare stroke survivor takes a Step Out for Stroke in Clarence Park

A local stroke survivor from Weston-super-Mare is set to take part in the Stroke Association’s Step out for Stroke event at Clarence Park on Sunday 7 May 2017.

Operations Director, Mel Whittingham, 45, had a stroke last March. Mel left hospital unable to use the left side of her body and using a wheelchair. Thankfully Mel has made huge improvements in her recovery. She can now walk unaided, and is gradually returning to work.

Mel said: “The Stroke Association is a cause really close to my heart. My mother had two strokes ten years ago, and my auntie sadly passed away from a stroke last year. I wanted to take part in the Step Out for Stroke in memory of my auntie, but also for my mother, who never gives up.

“My family, friends and work colleagues have been so supportive, I couldn't have got through this without them. The impact of my stroke didn't really hit me until I came home from hospital and realised I couldn't drive, run upstairs, or even stand in the shower alone. I'm still strengthening my arm, hand and left knee but I'm getting there. I've returned to work, and I’m now able to walk my dog Jack, who will also be joining me on the day.

“I really want to push myself on the day to show other stroke survivors that it’s not the end of the road. I've promised my work colleagues that I'll be dancing by Christmas, so the Step Out for Stroke will be preparation for all those dance moves!”

Jayne Hughes, Community and Events Fundraising Manager, at the Stroke Association, said: “Step out for Stroke is a fun walk that everyone can be part of, no matter what your age or fitness level. We’re hugely grateful to Mel for joining us for this year’s event.

“We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. Our Step Out for Stroke events mark a milestone for many stroke survivors taking part, and it’s an event that the whole family will enjoy. Everyone taking part will be joined by hundreds of people across the UK who are walking to raise vital funds for everyone affected by stroke.”

To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout

To sponsor Mel you can visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mel-Whittingham

To sponsor Mel's neice who will be joining her on the day, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Anna-Evans19

Ends

For interviews, photographs or more information, please contact Daisy Dighton on telephone 0207 940 1358 or daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk

Topics

  • 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. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. 
  • Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications 07904 289900
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07812388125
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association

    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK