02/11/2026
Three of our Market Harborough group members volunteered to attend the ‘Stroke and Cardiovascular Health Awareness Community Event’ on Saturday, 24 October 2026 in Leicester, hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL). Our members aimed to help raise awareness of our group to the local community and to support others going through what they have.
The event aimed to help people find out more about their risk of having and a stroke take simple steps to protect their heart and brain health, encouraging people to better understand and manage the risk factors associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease, which includes high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation (AF).
Throughout the afternoon, visitors were given free health checks, speak to NHS specialists about stroke and cardiovascular health, and learn practical ways to reduce their risk through simple lifestyle changes.
Stroke survivors also shared their own experiences of stroke, recovery, and rehabilitation, including our member Suzie who bravely stepped up to do an impromptu share of her story for the event when the members were asked to volunteer.
It was a very emotional day for all whom attended.
Fiona said, ‘It was such a positive experience, I’m feeling quite proud because I could not have participated even just 9-12 months ago.’
Huge thank you to Lee, Fiona and Suzie for helping raise awareness of young stroke survivors, and even helping educate those in a medical profession who were eagerly asking questions.
