Buildings light to make may Purple

In addition, the Stroke Association’s Foyle Support Group are also hosted a ‘step out’ walk along the Peace Bridge yesterday, Tuesday, May 17.

The charity’s annual awareness month is all about encouraging communities to get involved in something purple to raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s fourth biggest killer. Derry and Strabane Council Buildings, Seagate, North West Regional College and Derry Playhouse will join other iconic buildings around the UK in supporting the cause by lighting up purple.

Liam Quigley, Londonderry Stroke Recovery Co-ordinator, supports local stroke survivors in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area. He will join stroke survivors and supporters for a special Step Out for Stroke event on the Peace Bridge on Tuesday 17 May. Step Out for Stroke walks are typically one mile routes and offer an opportunity for stroke survivors, many of whom have difficulty walking, to take their first steps back to recovery.

Liam said: “Stroke happens in an instant and it changes people’s lives forever. Every year around 4000 strokes happen in Northern Ireland and about half of stroke survivors are left with a permanent disability. The Stroke Association wants to prevent strokes and help those who have had strokes get the support they need, whether that’s via local groups, 1 to 1 support or by campaigning for better stroke services. I’m absolutely delighted that Derry City and Strabane District Council, Seagate, North West Regional College and Derry Playhouse are showing their support for Make May Purple. Recovering from stroke is a long and difficult journey and events like Make May Purple remind people that they don’t have to face stroke alone”.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: “We are delighted to support the Stroke Association’s ‘Make May Purple’ campaign by lighting up our council buildings in purple.

“We hope that local residents will be encouraged to find out more about stroke, take steps to reduce their risk of stroke and support the fantastic work this charity does to support local people affected by stroke and their families and carers too.”

The Stroke Association provides Stroke recovery services in Londonderry. There are two groups which meet in Lisnavar Court, Irish Street Derry on Tuesdays and North West Regional College, Strand Road on Thursdays and provide speech and language therapy, communication support and information for stroke survivors and carers.

For more information on these groups contact Liam Quigley by emailing [email protected] or call 07947273620

To find out more about how to get involved please visit www.stroke.org.uk/MakeMayPurple

The Stroke Association is a charity that is changing the world for people affected by stroke. They work with thousands of stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals, with scientists and researchers, and with supporters to conquer stroke. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk