Make May Purple is the Stroke Association's fundraising and awareness campaign held during Stroke Awareness Month in May.

I’m organising a charity fundraiser party on the 30th May 2026 at Heaton Meadowfield Club, Newcastle in support of the Stroke Association.

This cause is very close to our family’s heart. In October last year, my husband Simon who is only 50 years old suffered a stroke which sadly left him with reduced vision. The type of stroke Simon experienced didn’t present with the symptoms many of us are familiar with, such as slurred speech or facial drooping. He went to work as normal that morning, but within minutes he became extremely dizzy and felt an intense pressure in his head. Thankfully, a colleague took him straight to A&E, where he was quickly assessed and treated as an urgent stroke case.

As a result of the stroke, Simon now lives with a condition called Homonymous Hemianopia, which means he has visual impairment affecting both eyes. Since then, the support, guidance and awareness provided by the Stroke Association have been incredibly valuable to Simon and to us as a family. That’s why I wanted to organise this event — to help raise funds and awareness so they can continue supporting stroke survivors and their families.

Every day in May, another 240 people will face the life-changing impact of a stroke. Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, and even children can be left unable to move, see, speak or even swallow. It's a traumatic, life-changing event that robs survivors and their families of the life they knew.

Make May Purple is suitable for everyone and allows stroke survivors, their families, friends, colleagues, schools, community groups and clubs to all come together and take part in a way that suits them best.

Join the other amazing people who are taking part in Make May Purple to raise awareness and fund vital support for all people affected by stroke.