This World Stroke Day, we're highlighting one local survivor's journey and the realities of life after stroke. For 80 years, we've been supporting people affected by stroke across Northern Ireland, helping them rebuild confidence, regain independence and move forward.
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“I didn’t know I had a hole in my heart and I had a stroke at 39.”
"I was sitting on the bed talking to my husband, Moray, when I started to feel extremely dizzy and had a pain down the middle of my forehead. I fell backwards, couldn't move, couldn’t speak and then started vomiting. I couldn’t respond to my husband, so he phoned an ambulance.” Claire Stewart, from Anahilt, County Down, had a stroke at the age of just 39 in March 2024. After fundraising for our work by doing an abseil in June, she is sharing her story to raise awareness of stroke, especially amongst younger people.
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This World Stroke Day, know the signs of a stroke: F - Face – is it drooping on one side? A - Arms – is their arm weakness? Can they be raised? S - Speech - is it slurred? T - Time to get to hospital as soon as possible. As Claire’s story shows however, there are other symptoms to be aware of, such as problems with balance and coordination, sudden loss of vision, numbness down one side of the body, communication problems in understanding speech, difficulty swallowing and sudden severe headache. If you suspect a stroke, seek urgent medical help.
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Need Support?
We're here for you and your family if you're affected by stroke. Whether you’ve had a stroke or a TIA, our dedicated team will provide all the information and advice you need to help you make sense of what’s happened and provide support.
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Make a Difference in Our 80th Year!
We're marking our 80th anniversary all the way through to June 2027, and we'd love you to be part of the celebrations. Whether you take on an 80-themed challenge, host a tea party, or plant a memory tree, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Our fundraising team will be on hand with support, resources and advice to help make your event a success. To find out more, contact communityfundraising@nichs.org.uk.
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80 Years of NICHS: An Evening of Music, Stories and Hope
To mark 80 years of Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, join us for a special evening of music, storytelling and reflection. Hear powerful stories from those at the heart of our work, alongside performances from talented local musicians. - Belfast Cathedral – The Cathedral Church of St. Anne – 18th November 2026 - Hosted by Cate Conway
- Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry – 10th December 2026 - Hosted by Hugo Duncan
Places are free to book, with an optional donation.
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Take on a Marathon Challenge!
Places for the the 26.2 mile Belfast City Marathon 2027 charity places have sold out but we still have a limited number of charity places available! Not ready for the full marathon? Relay team places are still available through the Belfast Marathon website, making it the perfect opportunity to gather friends, family or colleagues and take part together. We're also now taking registrations of interest for the 2027 Dublin Marathon. To find out more about either event, contact events@nichs.org.uk.
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NICHS Big Christmas Quiz
Swap the tinsel for trivia and join us for a festive night of fun! Join us for our Christmas Quiz Night at The Lounge, Haymarket - an evening of festive cheer, friendly competition and great craic, all in support of people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions across Northern Ireland.
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Red Dress Fun Run 2027
Save the Date! The Red Dress Fun Run is back on Sunday 14th March 2027! Gather your friends and family, dress in red, and join us for a fun-filled day supporting local people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. More details and registration coming soon, but for now, get the date in your diaries!
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Could you join our team of volunteer Community Ambassadors?
Our Community Ambassadors fly the flag for NICHS across NI, attending cheque presentations and fundraising events within their own local area. There's no minimum time commitment, and any time you can give is greatly appreciated. To find out more, contact communityfundraising@nichs.org.uk.
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Do you know someone who would appreciate our monthly updates?
They can sign up here!
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If you would like to change how we contact you, you can change your preferences by emailing
supportercare@nichs.org.uk
By receiving our emails, you are helping us to support local people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions, and to fund research and health promotion programmes to work to prevent these illnesses from devastating lives. We are so happy to have you in our NICHS family, but if you would like to unsubscribe please click
here
Registered Charity Number: NIC 103593 and Company Registration No: NI 18889
21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB
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