For the third year running, our stand proved one of the very busiest at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta - with hundreds of visitors coming along to talk to our staff, trustees and volunteers over the three days.

What proved particularly powerful was the number of visitors who not only asked for our advice or guidance but wanted to share their personal experiences of stroke… either their own or a family member’s.

That was, said more than one member of the team, the most fulfilling part of being there… energising us from 9am through to 8pm each day!

Running fun games on the stand – including “name that bear” and left-handed darts – once again proved a great ice breaker, while we also took the opportunity to launch our new branded merchandise.

On top of that, almost £800 went into the donations tin – more than covering the costs of what is, after all, essentially an awareness raising event for us… a chance to tell local people that we’re here for them when stroke affects their lives.

Finally: a big, big, (BIG!) thankyou again to the many volunteers who made up a crucial part of the 25-strong stand roster - we really couldn’t have done it without you!

See you all again next year…