FIFTY years since the first man walked on the moon, stroke survivors in Chester are now proving that they too can overcome their own challenges by taking part in a charity walk for the Stroke Association at Grosvenor Park.

Step Out for Stroke is a series of mile-long walks taking place across the UK this summer, including the Chester event on July 6.

The courses are suitable for any level of walking ability, wheelchair accessible and participants can walk at their own pace, in their own time.

To mark this 50th anniversary, the Stroke Association is hoping each walk will have at least 50 participants raising at least £50 to fund its work supporting stroke survivors and their loved ones, as they rebuild their lives after stroke.

Just as people once thought walking on the moon was impossible, many people still don’t think that you can recover from a stroke.

Half a century on, as we celebrate one of the modern world’s biggest achievements, the charity is inviting people across Chester to celebrate stroke recovery by signing up for Step Out for Stroke at Grosvenor Park.

Mikaela Leape, regional fundraiser from the Stroke Association, said: “When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you.

"That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact of that varies depending on which part of your brain is affected; it could be anything from wiping out your speech, leaving you with a physical disability or affecting your emotions and personality.

“For many stroke survivors, rebuilding their lives can seem like a huge challenge, much like reaching the moon.

"We know that recovery is tough, we don’t deny that, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt after stroke.

“Just as those first steps on the moon were celebrated 50 years ago, every Step Out for Stroke walk celebrates the many ways in which stroke survivors are rebuilding their lives. Recovery from stroke is a team effort. Please sign up and be part of our team.”

To sign up, or to find out more, visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout.