I AM writing on behalf of The Stroke Association to pay tribute to our team of volunteers during this important 25th anniversary of National Volunteers' Week.
It is another opportunity to celebrate and thank our volunteers who give so much time and energy to prevent strokes and reduce their effect.
Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke - a brain attack. Without the unselfish dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers we could not give those affected the support they need.
We have volunteers in every part of the organisation, and it is heartening to know the whole association is able to benefit from the skills and experience that people devote to combating stroke and enriching the services and support The Stroke Association offers.
Whether it is their direct assistance within one of the rehabilitation and support services, or their involvement in raising funds or awareness of stroke, we are reliant on and appreciative of this gift of time from our many volunteers.
As the new chairman of council for The Stroke Association (a voluntary role), I look forward to working with this dedicated, diverse and dynamic volunteer team.
I would encourage anyone with time to give to get in touch at volunteering@stroke.org.uk or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
SIR CHARLES GEORGE
Chairman of trustees The Stroke Association
