Use your head for survivors of strokes

Wellingtonians can treat their heads to a new haircut and a new hat this month, as Snips Salons sell beanies to fundraise for stroke survivors.

A family holiday three years ago was abruptly cut short when hair salon owner Alex Bouron’s husband was rushed to hospital after a stroke.

The family were on holiday in Tauranga, and had just arrived when Florent collapsed.

Alex noticed all the signs of a stroke: His face was dropping on one side, his arm was weak and he wasn’t able to speak.

But she was surprised this was happening at all – Florent was only 38.

‘‘I remember thinking, ‘but he’s so young, surely this can’t be a stroke’. Luckily my mum’s a doctor, so I called her into the room straight away to help,’’ she said.

They were at the hospital within an hourand-a-half, and he was treated quickly, but a week later had a haemorrhage and his situation worsened. He was left with significant impairment, including severe fatigue and difficulty communicating, which left him unable to work.

To raise money for stroke survivors and their families, Snip Salons on The Terrace and Featherston St are selling Stroke Foundation’s Beanie Up beanies in-store.

Hearing about the Beanie Up campaign, Alex knew she wanted to get involved to help raise awareness about the Stroke Foundation’s work.

‘‘I know that the Stroke Foundation not only helps stroke survivors, but also supports families and the partners and children who have to deal with the situation too.

‘‘The impact of a stroke can’t be seen by everyone. It’s not like a broken leg – people don’t always know or understand how a stroke can impact someone’s life.’’

Beanie Up 2020 launched on June 1 to raise vital funds and raise awareness about what a stroke is – a brain attack. This year there are four beanie styles to choose from, including blue and grey beanies for $10, and limited edition pom-pom and kids’ pom-pom beanies for $20, until August 31.

Marketing and fundraising manager at the Stroke Foundation Robbie Ross said the campaign was a great success so far.

‘‘I want to thank Alex and her team for supporting us to not only raise important funds to support the Stroke Foundation’s critical services, but for helping us to raise awareness of stroke.’’

■ For more information visit beanieup.co.nz.

ROBERT KITCHIN/STUFF Hair salon owner Alex Bouron and her family were on holiday three years ago when her husband, Florent had a stroke. Now she is selling beanies through her salons as part of a fundraiser for the Stroke Foundation.