A SEA of purple will take over The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday for this year’s Step Out for Stroke campaign.

Stroke survivors will be joined by their friends and family and ambassadors and representatives from the Stroke Association to walk around the stadium at 11am to celebrate their achievements and raise money and awareness for the charity.

For one stroke survivor, 50-year-old Dave McCartney who had a stroke three years ago, the walk is a chance for him to reach his next goal.

“At Walton Gardens last year the ground was quite uneven and there were a lot of potholes so it was difficult for some of us," he said.

“This time I am hoping to be able to do a full lap if I can as the ground is concrete and a bit smoother. I have been going to the gym and trying to get my fitness up.

“When I had the stroke a friend of mine told me to set myself goals so this is my next goal – to go all the way round the track.

“It would be a big achievement for me and everyone that has helped my with my recovery.”

While for Dave England it is a chance for him to give something back to the charity that has supported him since he had a stroke in January when he was visited by ambassador and Wolves centre Chris Bridge.

The 64-year-old said: “The walk is very important. I am so impressed with the work the charity does it is the least I can do.

“It meant so much to me that Chris came to see me when I was on the ward in hospital – he is such an inspiration.

“I don’t think I will get very far. I don’t have much strength but I will give it my best shot.

“I think the walk is essential for raising awareness. I didn’t know anything about this until it happened to me.”

Chris has been involved with the Stroke Association for several years and chose it as his testimonial charity.

“It is a charity that is close to my heart as my mum had a stroke and I want to give anything I can back and a couple of hours of my time isn’t a lot," he said.

"I met Dave England three months ago and it is amazing how much he has come on and for Dave as well – walking round once will be a massive achievement for them.

“It is very pleasing to see their recovery and where they are now.”

The walk comes at the start of Action on Stroke Month and will also see The Stroke Association join staff from the stroke ward at Warrington Hospital to check the blood pressure of fans and give out advice about strokes and staying healthy at the Wolves game against Widnes Vikings on Sunday.

To find out more information call the Stroke Association at Warrington Hospital on 01925 662053 or to sign up for Step out for Stroke visit stroke.org.uk/event/step-out-stroke-warrington