16 November 2016

Strokely Come Dancing Cha-cha-cha-rity event raises funds for local Stroke services


Stroke service takes part in strictly dance event to raise charity cash

Stroke service staff swapped their stethoscopes and uniforms for sequins when they hit the dance floor in a strictly themed fundraising boogie to raise vital cash for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

‘Strokely Come Dancing’ saw staff at Sheffield Teaching Hospital’s Stroke Service compete against doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and paramedics in a bid to win the renowned glitter ball trophy.

The event, which attracted more than 400 spectators, was presented by Radio Sheffield’s Paulette Edwards as ‘Claudia Winkleman’, with Freddie Woodward, Rio Olympic diving champion presenting awards and Dancing on Ice professional Frankie Seaman as one of four judges.

The funds raised for the Sheffield Stroke Service will be put towards specialist equipment, new technologies in speech and language therapy, and help support local patient support groups. The money will also help to fund specialist training and research.

Amanda Jones, Stroke Nurse Consultant, who led the event which took place at St. Paul's Mecure Hotel, said: “Strokley Come Dancing was amazing – such a great atmosphere. The concept was suggested by one of our stroke nurse practitioners as a fun event which would help encourage lots of people to get involved.

“It has taken a huge amount of organisation. Many of our couples didn’t have any dance experience, so Helen’s School of Dance gave their time for free in teaching us our dance moves.

“We set out to raise thousands for Sheffield Hospitals Charity. The funds will help to improve the service we provide for our patients and their carers. We need more specialist seating, mobility aids and equipment. We also want to help support the various stroke support groups, to help people who are living with the consequences of stroke long term.

“We also need to raise awareness so that the local people of Sheffield know what to do if they suspect they or someone else is having a stroke.”

A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

In the UK, strokes are a major health problem, with someone suffering with a stroke every five minutes. It is the third largest cause of death, after heart disease and cancer. The brain injuries caused by strokes are a major cause of adult disability in the UK.

Older people are most at risk of having strokes, although they can happen at any age – including in children.

The donations from Strokely Come Dancing are still coming in, with a fundraising target of £5,000. To donate to the city’s Stroke Service to help people in your local community, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/strokelycomedanceing.

Alternatively, you can donate directly to Sheffield Hospitals Charity by visiting www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/donate
 



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