How you help | Stroke Association Weekly Lottery

Every day in the UK another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke.

Every week you’ll help us to support them.

A stroke can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak, or even swallow, and impacts the whole family. With strength, determination and the right support, recovery is possible.

By playing our raffles, you’ll help the Stroke Association provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year, fund vital scientific research, and campaign to secure the best care and support for everyone affected by stroke.

Every day in the UK, another 240 people wake up to the catastrophic impact of a stroke. Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke and its impact is traumatic.

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. But stroke support needs vital, scientific research into stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.

Every time you play our raffles, you are helping us to provide that vital support to stroke survivors and their families.

Kevin, stroke survivor, with Lucy, Stroke Association Support Coordinator

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Steve, from Yeovil in Somerset, was a fit and healthy 36-year-old. Happily married and a dad-of-one, he played football, was training to run a marathon, and had one huge passion in life: gaming.

But Steve’s life changed completely one morning when he woke up with what he realised were the warning signs of a stroke. His right hand felt numb, and the feeling didn’t return. Steve’s stroke left him unable to walk or speak.

With years of hard work and determination, Steve has regained his speech and some of his mobility. He continues to battle fatigue, memory problems and right-sided weakness in his arm and leg, which makes everyday tasks challenging.

'Stroke is like a nightmare that you live. It stays with you. My arm and leg mobility can improve, but it can’t get better. As much as people smile on the outside, stroke is always there.'

Never giving up

Steve’s passion for gaming has been his motivation to come back from stroke. But his weakness in his right hand means that he can’t play games the way he used to. So Steve has developed his own way to use a games controller with his stronger left hand, as well as his chin and lips.

Steve and his family have also received support from the Stroke Association.

'They talked me through some of the questions I had. It was a lifeline to be able to talk to someone else who understood.'

'It's so reassuring to know the Stroke Association is there.'

Paul McLean - stroke survivor

When 40-year old Paul McLean had a stroke, life turned upside down for him – and his wife, Suzi. She had to do everything for him, including feed and wash him. Feeling isolated and unable to cope, Suzi made contact with other carers through the Stroke Association. 'I'm so thankful. It made a massive difference having a network of people to share our stroke journey with.'

'My stroke group was a real saviour for me.'

Ian Collins – stroke survivor

After a devastating stroke, Ian Collins had to learn to walk and use his arms again. Unable to return to his job as a joiner, he became depressed. 'I felt like a shadow of myself,' Ian says, 'but the stroke group I was referred to helped me get my confidence and sense of humour back.'

'It's so important to donate to the Stroke Association so we can continue giving help to stroke survivors and those affected by stroke.'

Erin – stroke survivor

Erin had a stroke when she was just 29 years old. For Erin, rebuilding her life has meant learning to walk again and adapting to her new normal: 'Even today I struggle with fatigue and headaches. But in February I'll be finishing my PhD in Chemistry, which shows it's possible to achieve your goals. You just need that extra support to get you through.'

'It makes me feel good to know that I'm helping out.'

Loretta – stroke survivor

Loretta's mental health deteriorated after having a stroke. Her lived experience of the trauma that many stroke survivors face is key to helping researchers develop ways to improve well-being after stroke.

Loretta says, 'I have made progress. I try my best and I push myself, even though it takes its toll on me. The research will help everyone in the long run, so people don't have to suffer. If I hadn't taken part, I don't think I'd feel as good as I do now.'

We're the only UK charity that focuses exclusively on stroke research. Thanks to Lottery players, we're able to fund pioneering research and vital services to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives.

You could win up to £5,000!

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'Anything is possible.'

Alisha – stroke survivor

Alisha had her stroke aged 26 and was a primary school teacher at the time. It left her unable to read, write or walk, and she spent five months in hospital recovering.

Thanks to supporters like you, Alisha was able to find solace at groups founded by the Stroke Association, providing opportunities to socialise and ease worries. Alisha says, 'my life has changed, but in a completely different way. Now, I volunteer. I meet similar people and we raise awareness. I enjoy that. There's a way you can put your life back together.'

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Stroke Association Weekly Lottery

Telephone: 0370 050 9240