Step out for Stroke walk

Mayor Peter Rush, MP Jim Dobbin and Rochdale Hornets star Ryan Millard officially open the walk

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Queen's Park in Heywood was covered in a coat of purple today (Saturday 24 May) as over 175 walkers took part in the Step out for Stroke walk.

The walk, which is part of action for stroke month, saw walkers walk around the park.

Judith Moreland, Assistant Regional Manager for the Stroke Association said: “It is a really good location for the walk because we get a lot of people passing through.

"Those taking part can do as much of the route or as little as they want.”

This year was the fourth year for the walk and was described as the “biggest and best” of the twenty walks being held across the region.

“Every year seems to be getting bigger. We had about 150 people last year and we are looking at 175 this year so it is always good to see that increase,” added Judith.

Mayor of Rochdale Peter Rush and MP for Middleton and Heywood Jim Dobbin officially opened the walk and set walkers off on their route.

Mayor Rush said: “It is my pleasure to be here at such a great event. It is wonderful to see so many people here supporting this cause and its volunteers. It is nice to see the whole of the borough coming along to support the walk.”

The walk is held annually to help raise awareness of the Stroke Association as well as raising stroke awareness and prevention and raising money for the charity.

“A lot of our walkers are families of people who have suffered a stroke or stroke sufferers themselves so it really is just about raising awareness for people,” said Judith.

The Lancashire Road Riders and the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service were on hand for photographs and the Carers Choir and Tracey Ray School of Dance put on performances.

Information stalls were also in the park offering help and advice, such as free blood pressure checks, Link4Life had a stall and there were stalls selling a variety of items from jewellery to cards and balloons.

Judith added: “The walk is held every year so it should be on next year and hopefully it continues to get bigger.”