Strokes are estimated to effect 150,000 people in the UK every year. The Stroke Association funds research into treatment, helps patients and their families after strokes, and raises awareness in the community. Next month they are asking you to join them on a charity skydive. So what are you waiting for? Jump right in…

We have all heard of people suffering a stroke, if only in episodes of Casualty or Holby City, but this euphemistic term belies the seriousness of this condition. Unfortunately, the medical jargon – cerebrovascular accident – is no clearer. Essentially, it is a brain attack, when blood flow is cut off to part of the brain and cells are damaged or destroyed. It is sudden, has an immediate effect and is always a medical emergency as it can be fatal to some, with long term effects on others.

Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Strokes have a greater disability impact than any other medical condition.

The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation, and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its Life After Stroke Services, providing information, advice, support and grants to help people carry on. They also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society, and act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

It is not surprising that such fantastic and wide-ranging work costs money and the Stroke Association is appealing for help to raise vital funds.

On Saturday 30 July, the organization will be holding ‘Jump into July’ tandem skydives at Salisbury Airfield. This is a chance to have some thrilling fun, dropping 5,000 feet at 120 mph, will raising money for a good cause. No experience is necessary as all training is given on the day by professional instructors. All you have to raise is at least £395 and then you can jump for free!

To join in the Strokes Association Sky Dive, contact Chris Welch on 0117 953 1200 or chris.welch@stroke.org.uk.

For more general information on strokes, contact the Stroke Helpline on 0303 303 3100 open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. www.stroke.org.uk