The Sheffield stroke team is taking on its latest fundraising challenge to raise funds for Sheffield Hospitals Charity to further improve the specialist support for stroke patients and their families.

The Sheffield Stroke service comprises of specialist acute units based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, a specialist stroke rehabilitation unit in the community, and a specialist community team, who provide rehabilitation at home, and cares for up to approximately 220 stroke patients at any one time either at the hospital or in the community. Sheffield also provides initial specialist care for stroke patients across the South Yorkshire region.

The past eighteen months have been tough for the service as it has dealt with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stroke team has been unable to deliver all of it’s specialist care face to face, and have had to treat a number of patients remotely, which has had a significant impact on both patients’ and their informal carers and family members, who have not always had the usual face to face support that they need.

The dedicated team of staff working in the stroke service, have taken on a number of innovative fundraising challenges in the past and, in the midst of the pandemic, they have decided that now is the right time to do their bit.

They now want to raise funds to be able to purchase iPads, tablets and technology to allow them to deliver remote service more seamlessly. They will also set up more specialist training for stroke patients, their carers, family members, as well as the stroke team, to ensure that stroke patients have the right specialist support, at the right time, when face to face contact may not always available in these uncertain times.

So, in October, members of the stroke team are taking on a 14 mile Round Sheffield Walk with stroke survivors, families and friends, and anyone who wants to support the event, to raise those vital funds.

The walk will begin at the Hunters Bar entrance of Endcliffe Park at 10am on Saturday 2^nd October 2021, and will travel through local scenic areas, including the Mayfield Valley, Beauchief Abbey, Graves Park before looping back to Endcliffe Park, where participants will be greeted with delicious home made cakes (for sale to raise more funds), refreshments,  and plenty of fun.

Everybody, young or old, and regardless of their fitness is being urged to take part – either for the whole walk, or just joining for a section of it. And those ambitious participants could even opt to run!

Dr Amanda Jones, Clinical Lead for the Stroke Service, said: “The past year in particular, has been tough for everybody, but it’s been especially challenging to deliver services that rely on face-to-face interactions. The way that we work has changed and will continue to change, but it is crucial that we continue to provide the specialist treatment and support for stroke patients, their carers and families, so raising funds to further improve stroke patient’s support and experience is extremely important.

“The event is also an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the devastating impact of stroke, and the importance of recognising the signs of stroke, and dialling 999 immediately if you suspect a stroke. A stroke can happen to anyone of any age; even teenagers and children, so we are urging people who suspect a stroke to take this seriously, and to not be afraid to dial 999, and to get into hospital as soon as possible, as time is brain and  even a couple of minutes can make a real difference to a person’s recovery.

“We hope that this challenge will raise money, will raise awareness and make a real difference to stroke survivors and their families. But we also want it to be a really fun filled day! So come along and take part.”

The stroke service is raising funds on JustGiving. If you want to support this powerful cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-jones107

Ben Green, PR & Communications Manager at Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: "The stroke service is one of the most innovative and dedicated fundraising teams we have, they are always looking for ways that they can raise funds to give their patients and their families that little bit extra.

“What they are doing now is so important to ensure that staff feel able to give patients and families the support that they need, however they need it. So please do take part or donate however you can.”