Appeal launched to help stroke survivors

Three out of 10 working age people who have suffered a stroke have lost their job as a result, a new poll suggests.

The figures come from the Stroke Association which is appealing for cash to support its specialist services including a helpline, peer support service, support groups and support coordinators.

Some 100,000 strokes occur every year in the UK – with 38,000 deaths – and are a leading cause of death and disability, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The new survey of 3,500 stroke survivors found 30% of those under 60 who survived a stroke said it directly led to them losing their job.

Six percent said it led to them losing their home and 23% said it had a negative impact on their relationship with their partner.

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: "Every five minutes, someone in the UK will have a stroke and in a flash, their life is changed.

"Two-thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability.

"But for many, the emotional aspects of coming to terms with having a stroke are just as significant.

"Finding hope is a crucial part of the recovery process.

"Without it, recovery can seem impossible.”

She added: "At the Stroke Association, we support and help people to find this hope, and rebuild their lives, but with 1.3 million people in the UK now living with the effects of a stroke, our services have never been more stretched.”

The charity is asking people to donate at stroke.org. uk/hopeafterstroke