Whether it’s baking, planting or wearing, this month the Stroke Association are asking you to ‘make May purple’ to help conquer strokes. Last year over 400 fun-filled events took place throughout the UK and 2016 is set to be bigger with the campaign asking people to show their support for people who have been affected by stroke and raise awareness of the essential funds to tackle this devastating condition.
Every three and half minutes, someone in the UK has a stroke. It’s the second biggest killer in the world and can rob your speech, ability to walk and you’re independence.
Jon Barrick, Chief Executive at the Stroke Association, said: “This incredibly cruel condition strikes in an instant, and its effects can last a lifetime. Make May Purple is a fantastic opportunity for people throughout the UK to come together and show their support for everyone who has been affected by stroke. Whether people choose to bake it, wear it or plant it purple, the vital funds we raise will help us conquer stroke.”
The whole of May is dedicated to #makemaypurple with events you can take part in and support across the UK. Stroke Association supporter and comedian Russel Kane is getting on board with the 'Wear it Purple' campaign. “I’m getting behind the Stroke Association’s Make May Purple by wearing my Stroke Solidarity String. Together we can give stroke the attention it deserves. Let’s wear it, show it, share it."
Award winning baker Richard Bartinet, health food bloggers Hemsley Hemsley and actor Stanley Tucci are cooking up a storm with 'Bake it Purple' plus Christine Walkden, resident gardener on BBC’s The One Show, is encouraging everyone to 'Plant it Purple'.
"Make May Purple is a chance for everyone to roll up their sleeves and show their support for people affected by stroke…There are some fabulous plants in May from gorgeous geraniums and deep purple irises through to the perennial wall flower Bowles mauve. Purple pansies will create a blaze of colour in your window box right up until the end of May, while mini trailing petunias such as Calibrachoa Cabaret Purple Glow that offer fantastic blooms for hanging baskets. If you’re looking for something a bit showy for the garden then there’s always that wonderful poppy – Patty’s Plum.”
So no matter what your skill set is, you can get involved in any way and remember, just make sure the colour is purple this May!
The Stroke Association is a charity who believe in life after stroke and by working together, can conquer stroke. They work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. They campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. They fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke.
