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They're a cheery team working hard to help stroke survivors back on their feet and raise money for new therapies...But how do they think the island could be made even better for those they support?
When they're not physically and emotionally supporting those who have had strokes and their families with their recovery, you'll find the Jersey branch of the Stroke Association hard at work coming up with new fundraising ideas.
The next big challenge - and by 'big', we mean 350 miles - on the charity's agenda is a four-day cycle across four countries on 18 September. The ride will see cyclists make their way through the countryside of rural England, crossing the Channel to France and Belgium, before arriving in Bruges and finishing in Amsterdam, which is known to be one of the most 'bike-friendly' cities in Europe.
It is hoped that the ride will raise £125,000 for the Stroke Association to continue to help the charity in its work to support stroke survivors.
Ahead of that big day, members of the charity's dedicated team put their heads together to come up with five other ideas to make Jersey a better, more stroke-aware place...
A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Stroke is the largest cause of disability in the UK and Jersey, with almost two thirds of stroke survivors leaving hospital with a disability. In 2016, stroke caused almost twice as many deaths in women as breast cancer and in men stroke causes 5,000 more deaths a year than prostate cancer. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK and Jersey each year, that’s around 1 stroke every 5 minutes.
Pictured: Stroke Association would like to continue working to improve stroke awareness and prevention in Jersey.
We would like to work together with the Health Department to continue to raise awareness and push to improve stroke treatment and care on-island and provide ongoing support in the wider community, working in collaboration with other charities and third sector organisations.
Stroke needs prompt treatment, which is why we would like everyone to know how to act F.A.S.T.
By learning this simple message and getting prompt medical treatment, you could save someone’s life and help limit the damage caused to the brain by the stroke:
F = Facial weakness – can the person smile ? Has their mouth or eye drooped ?
A = Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms ?
S = Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say ?
T = Time to call 999
One simple way to reduce your chance of having a stroke is to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Over half of all strokes are caused by high blood pressure. It’s one of the biggest risk factors for stroke but many people don’t know they have it.
Pictured: The charity urges islanders to have regular blood pressure checks.
A blood pressure check is simple, quick and painless and it could save your life.
We should all try to ‘do our bit’ for the planet and help make Jersey greener and plastic free. We have all seen devastating photos from across the world of beaches covered in plastic and sea life struggling through plastic/rubbish polluted oceans.
Pictured: Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to making the island a greener place.
If everyone committed to make even one small change, like taking their own reusable cup to a coffee shop or recycling plastic rather than just throwing it in the bin because it’s easier, the difference would be amazing. Although we are a small Island, let’s do more for recycling – some Parishes offer recycling, some don’t... If we work together we can make this happen.
Jersey is an amazing place to live and bring up a family and although everyone is busy in their world, take time to say hello to people, take time to give that friend a call and meet for coffee, take time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and open spaces available.
Pictured: The Stroke Association's team would like all islanders to make the most of life.
Enjoy life and where we live.
Pictured top - left to right: Stroke Association Team Members Clare Potter (Stroke Association Support Coordinator), Neil Macfarlane (Fundraising and Operations Assistant), and Tracy O'Regan (Fundraising and Operations Manager).
The views expressed in this piece are those of the authors, and not Bailiwick Express.
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