STROKE Association is the chosen charity of Bardwell Sports FC for the Suffolk Champions Charity Shield.

Bardwell Sports, winners of the 2021-22 McDonald’s Suffolk Primary Cup, face Parkers Pitches Suffolk Junior Cup winners Stowupland Falcons in the Suffolk Champions Charity Shield match at the Atalian Servest Stadium, home of Bury Town FC, on Saturday, August 6th, kick-off 2.30pm.

Anyone purchasing a ticket online for the match will be supporting the charity of their choice.

To purchase a ticket for the match click here

Lida Ballou, who is Relationship Fundraiser with the Stroke Association, explains the charity’s work.

First of all tell us about the work undertaken by your charity?

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the UK. Two-thirds of people who survive a stroke find themselves living with a disability. We are the only organisation dedicated to funding research into ongoing rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Stroke Association works to prevent stroke, and to support everyone touched by stroke, fund research, and campaign for the rights of stroke survivors of all ages.

Where is your charity based?

The charity is in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How many people work for your charity – full-time staff, if any, and also the number of volunteers?

We have around 750 staff and 3,500 volunteers across the UK, including Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Have you linked with Bardwell sports in the past?

No, we haven’t linked with Bardwell Sports in the past

How will being the club’s chosen charity help you?

• £56 could cover the costs of setting up a new volunteer, so they are ready to support voluntary groups in their community.
• £110 could pay for a motion sensor to be used to study how to best support stroke survivors rebuilding their ability to walk.
• £250 could pay for one hour of Helpline activity, helping the families of stroke survivors support their loved ones after stroke.
• £300 could pay for an MRI scan that can help us better understand the brain of those affected by stroke.

If anyone wishes to find out more about your charity where can they do so?

From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.

Finally, if anyone wishes to help support your charity who should they contact and how?

From local support services and groups, to online information and support, anyone affected by stroke can visit stroke.org.uk or call our dedicated Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100 to find out about support available locally.