Press release - 22 October 2015 09:00

Christopher Biggins and Miriam Margolyes lead call to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association

National treasure Christopher Biggins and Bafta-winning actress Miriam Margolyes are among a host of well-known names supporting the Stroke Association’s latest fundraising initiative: ‘Give a Hand.’

TV personality Mel Giedroyc, TV host Chris Tarrant, model Jools Oliver, presenter Sian Lloyd, Olympic cyclist Ed Clancy and rugby legend Michael Lynagh are joining them by challenging people to complete an activity with their ‘other’ hand to raise funds for people affected by stroke.

‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK take part in activities, such as ‘other hand’ bowling and cake decorating, using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 1 November 2015.

Christopher Biggins said: “Stroke is closer than most people think, and it can devastate lives. With the right support, many stroke survivors and their families are on the road to recovery. I know the Stroke Association provides this much-needed support, and that’s why I’m calling on everyone to get involved and ‘Give a Hand.’”

Mel Giedroyc said: “Every day stroke survivors have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done, using their other hand. The Stroke Association provides hope, inspiration, advice and support to thousands of people affected by stroke and their loved ones. Come on everyone, let’s ‘Give a Hand’ to conquer stroke.”

Jim Swindells, Director of Fundraising at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke changes peoples’ lives, often irreversibly, in an instant. By taking part in ‘Give a Hand’ and raising vital funds for the Stroke Association, the charity can support many more thousands of people throughout their recovery. Together, we can conquer stroke.”

To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack.

For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.

Ends

Topics

Contacts

Angela Macleod

Press contact Press Officer National press and Stroke Association research and policy communications angela.macleod@stroke.org.uk 07904 289900

Laura Thomas

Press contact Communications Officer Wales Laura.Thomas@stroke.org.uk 07776508594

Ken Scott

Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands ken.scott@stroke.org.uk 0115 778 8429

Daisy Dighton

Press contact Press Officer London and East of England daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk 02079401358

Martin Oxley

Press contact Press Officer South of England martin.oxley@stroke.org.uk 07776 508 646

Vicki Hall

Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services vicki.hall@stroke.org.uk 0161 742 7478

Katie Padfield

Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising katie.padfield@stroke.org.uk

Out of hours contact

Press contact Media queries press@stroke.org.uk 07799 436 008

Kate Asselman

Press contact Artist Liaison Lead kate.asselman@stroke.org.uk 07540 518022

Tell us your story

Press contact stories@stroke.org.uk 07799 436008

Stockton-on-Tees stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Young stroke survivor Emily Simpson, who had a stroke aged just 10 years old, is challenging people across the North East to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.

12 October 2015 10:53

Kings Lynn stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Kings Lynn resident Paul Fisher, who had two strokes at 55 years old, is challenging people across the East of England to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
Paul had two major strokes in 2011 which

12 October 2015 10:50

Cobham stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Cobham resident Joe Marchant, who had a stroke at only 15 years old, is challenging people across the South East to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
Joe, who is now 20 years old, had a stroke in h

9 October 2015 14:19

Bedford gives a hand to prevent stroke this World Stroke Day

The Stroke Association will mark World Stroke Day on Monday 26 October by hosting a Know Your Blood Pressure event at Bedford Guildhouse, and help prevent the biggest cause of stroke.
To coincide with World Stroke Day (Thursday 29 October), the Stroke Association will offer free blood pressure checks to visitors at Bedford Guildhouse on Harpur Street from 11:30am to 2pm. They’ll also provide in

6 October 2015 12:16

Alton stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Alton resident Angus Igwe, who had a stroke at 54 years old, is challenging people across Hampshire to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
When Angus had a devastating stroke nine years ago, he was l

6 October 2015 12:14

Peterborough stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Peterborough resident Ian Simm, who had a stroke at 56, is challenging people across the East of England to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
When Ian had a stroke in 2009, he was told he would nev

1 October 2015 15:55

Mel Giedroyc supports the Stroke Associaton 'Give a Hand' campaign

Great British Bake Off star, Mel Giedroyc has written a letter to newspaper editors around the country showing her support for the 'Give a Hand' fundraising campaign for the Stroke Association.

28 September 2015 12:22

Stratford-upon-Avon stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’

Stratford-upon-Avon resident Megan Giglia, who had a stroke at27, is challenging people across the West Midlands to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.