On Wednesday 11 May 2016 council buildings in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough are lighting up purple to mark ‘Make May Purple’ – the Stroke Association’s campaign to raise awareness of stroke.

The charity’s annual awareness month is all about encouraging communities to get involved in something purple to raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s 4th biggest killer.  Mossley Mill, Ballyclare Town Hall and Antrim Civic Centre will join other iconic buildings around the UK in supporting the cause by lighting up purple.

Kate Gorman had a stroke in 2005 and now volunteers with the Stroke Association Newtownabbey group. She joined Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg to launch the Make May Purple campaign.

“Stroke happens in an instant and it changes people’s lives forever.  A quarter of all strokes happen to young people like me and about half of stroke survivors are left with a permanent disability. The Stroke Association wants to prevent strokes and help those who have had strokes get the support they need, whether that’s via local groups, 1 to 1 support or by campaigning for better stroke services. I’m absolutely delighted that Antrim & Newtownabbey Council is showing their support for Make May Purple and I hope the local community will get involved too. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s holding a bake sale or signing up for an event, it’s an easy and fun way to show your support for local stroke survivors”.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “We are delighted to support the Stroke Association’s ‘Make May Purple’ campaign by lighting up our council buildings in purple. We hope that local residents will be encouraged to find out more about stroke, take steps to reduce their risk of stroke and support the fantastic work this charity does to support local people affected by stroke and their families and carers too”.

To find out more about how to get involved please visit www.stroke.org.uk/MakeMayPurple

The Stroke Association is a charity that is changing the world for people affected by stroke.  They work with thousands of stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals, with scientists and researchers, and with supporters to conquer stroke. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk