STROKE survivors took part in a challenge with friends and family to raise awareness and fundraise for a charity.

More than 60 survivors were joined by friends and family at Bryn Bach Park on July 7 to take part in the Tredegar Step Out for Stroke walk.

Among the participants enjoying the sun was Lynette Elliott, 67, who put on her purple dress and wig in honour of the Stroke Association. Lynette, who had a stroke, completed the journey in her electric chair.

She said: “I really enjoyed Step Out – it was such fun, and so good to meet stroke survivors from other groups.

“It’s only in the last three years that I’ve accepted my stroke, and got out there and joined things like the Blackwood Stroke Group, and taken part in Step Out. I am paralysed down one side, so I’ve had to re-learn how to do many things.

“I wore my purple wig through Make May Purple to raise awareness for stroke, so wore it again for the walk. I’m planning next year’s costume already."

The walk is organised by the Stroke Association to raise awareness raise awareness of strokes and raise money for the charity.

MP Nick Smith came to show his support. He said: “As someone who used to work for the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, I’ve seen the impact stroke care can have.

“Survivors deserve every chance to lead full and happy lives, so it’s great to see the community rally together to help them do just that. It takes a real network to help survivors on the road to recovery and events like this drive home how important supporting that network can be.”

Margaret Street, director of the Stroke Association in Wales, added: “The turn out and the money raised were fantastic! A big thank you to the local community who really helped us to make this an event to remember. We’re very grateful to everyone for their support.

“A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time and it changes lives in an instant. For many stroke survivors, Step Out for Stroke marks an important milestone in their road to recovery and seeing them take on this challenge was truly inspirational. Everyone who took part has helped raise vital funds for people affected by stroke.”

To find out more about Step Out for Stroke visit stroke.org.uk/stepout.