Could you act F.A.S.T. if someone was having a stroke?

Monday 01 January 2018

Drooping mouth, arm weakness, speech problems... If you spot these signs early on, you might be able to save someone's life - and the Jersey Stroke Association is aiming to make all islanders aware in the New Year.

The bid to raise awareness of stroke symptoms will be a key focus in 2018, but the charity also have a number of fundraisers lined up.

Their first big event will be the annual Resolution Run on 4 March 2018 at Les Quennevais Cycle Track and Railway Walk.

But before diving into that, Tracy O'Regan, the Association Fundraising and Operations Manager, reflected on the year that's just gone and the Association's wishes for 2018...

"From everyone here at the Stroke Association in Jersey, we would like to wish the Bailiwick Express readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

"At the Stroke Association we wish for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. We believe that everyone has the right to make the best recovery they can after stroke, and together we can conquer stroke.

Pictured: Victoria College and Fort Regent both turned purple in May to help raise awareness about strokes.

"Every second counts when you’re having a stroke - if we have one final wish, it would be that everyone could learn the F.A.S.T test and share it with their loved ones. It's vital to know how to spot the warning signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else, it could save a life:

• 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 & understand what you say?
• T = Time to call 999 - Stroke is a medical emergency

"The Stroke Association in Jersey have had an amazing year, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from stroke survivors, carers and supporters across the Island. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, sky diving, running the Jersey Marathon, to office dress down days and cake sales, and not to forget our wonderful ukulele band, we’ve had it all!

"We also received a wonderful grant for £25,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation in London to support our Stroke Recovery Service on the Island.

Pictured: The Ukulele Club present a cheque to the Stroke Association.

"We will be holding our annual Resolution Run on 4 March 2018 at Les Quennevais Cycle Track and Railway Walk, where people can choose to run, jog or walk the route, 

"We’re really looking forward to 2018 and can’t wait to share it with everyone in Jersey. We can’t thank all our incredible supporters enough for everything they’ve done to support the Stroke Association in Jersey in the last year. We really couldn’t do what we do without their wonderful support."

Those who wish to get involved with the charity can call 01534 724672 or email jerseyoffice@stroke.org.uk.