Stroke survivors will be supported by their friends and families for a walking fundraiser at Mooragh Park, Ramsey.

The Step Out for Stroke campaign will see participants join in a series of mile long walks around the UK, including the island, to celebrate survivors who are rebuilding their lives and to raise funds for Stroke Association.

On July 17, one of the walks will take place in the north of the island which will be suitable for any level of ability and will be wheelchair accessible with participants being able to walk at their own pace in their own time.

This year marks the 50th anniversary that the first man walked on the moon and the UK charity is drawing parallels with the challenges that stroke victims have overcome.

’Just as people once thought walking on the moon was impossible, many people still don’t think that you can recover from stroke,’ it stated.

To mark this anniversary, the UK charity Stroke Association is hoping each walk will have at least 50 participants raising at least £50 to fund its work supporting stroke survivors and their loved ones.

Louise Simonian, regional fundraising manager from the Stroke Association, said: ’When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do.

’The impact of that varies depending on which part of your brain is affected; it could be anything from wiping out your speech, leaving you with a physical disability or affecting your emotions and personality.

’For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives can seem like a huge challenge, much like reaching the moon. We know that recovery is tough, we don’t deny that, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt after stroke.’

Entry price is £5 per person.

To sign up, or to find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout