Carrick couple awarded forstroke volunteer work

The event celebrates the achievments and contributions of local stroke survivors, carers, volunteers and fundraisers in Northern Ireland. Husband and wife Colin and Heather Parks, were nominated in the volunteering category in recognition of the five years they have volunteered together for the Stroke Association. From helping at ‘Know Your Blood Pressure events to stewarding at our popular annual ‘Resolution Runs’, packing delegate packs for our yearly Northern Ireland stroke conference, to the “essential business” of counting vital donations, the Parkses have been an integral part of the team that help make these and other activities such a resounding success. Barry Macaulay, director of the Stroke Association in Northern Ireland, said: “Congratulations to Heather and Colin on being nominated for a UK Life after Stroke Award for volunteering. “We were thrilled that so many people across Northern Ireland were nominated to receive a UK Life After Stroke Award. “Our Northern Ireland event is our way of highlighting the tremendous courage people have shown in rebuilding their lives after a stroke, or in helping and supporting others to do just that. “We know that a stroke happens in an instant but the affects can be devastating and last a lifetime. “There are over 4,000 strokes in Northern Ireland each year with almost 37,000 people living with the effects of stroke. “The Stroke Association provides a range of services to support stroke survivors and their carers across Northern Ireland. “This includes stroke recovery and speech and language therapy services commissioned by the five local Health and Social Care Trusts and I would like to encourage anyone affected by stroke to contact us if you need information or support”.