Actor, radio presenter and philanthropist Joe Sims will be blowing the air horn to start next Saturday’s inspirational “Walk for Stroke”, which will see around 200 people raising vital funds to support local people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire on their stroke recovery journeys.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Yassin Mohamud, has also kindly agreed to be there at the start in Eastville Park at 11am to meet those taking part, and participants will be entertained by local samba-reggae band Ilu Axé and Bristol A Capella.

Every year, around 900 people of all ages locally have a stroke, leaving many with long-term mobility and cognitive issues. Bristol After Stroke supports them on their physical, emotional and psychological recovery journeys through its groups, courses and activities.

This year a record number of people have signed up for either the one-, three- or six-mile routes, many of them are stroke-affected and who use the annual walk as a training target. They set themselves personal challenges to walk further than they have managed since their stroke… whether that’s the full six miles or just a few hundred yards unaided.

The one-mile route is an accessible walk around Eastville Park while the three- and six- mile routes are along the scenic Frome Valley Walkway.

Says Bristol After Stroke’s CEO Rebecca Sheehy, “The walk isn’t just our biggest annual fundraising event, this year raising over £25,000. It also represents the essence of who we are: a charity that relies on local people to make our vital work possible. 

“The walk is an incredibly emotional and uplifting occasion, celebrating the achievements of so many people who have come through a life-changing event. We are absolutely thrilled that Joe has agreed to start this year’s walk as it will mean so much to those who are taking part… carers and supporters as well as stroke-affected people themselves.”

One of those walking this year had a stroke in December 2024 and movingly says that: “Since then I have relearned how to walk, talk and write. I have relearned how to dress myself, how to look after my now two-year-old, how to do basic cooking, how to attempt to be calm in a tough situation; my stroke impacted every aspect of our life. 

“Thanks to medical professionals and Bristol After Stroke, I am back to work and gradually rebuilding my life again. I am doing the walk to give something back as I am so grateful for all of the support from Bristol After Stroke.”

Concludes Rebecca Sheehy: “This year we have seen record numbers of people sign up and heard some amazing stories of what has inspired them to take part.

“Some are stroke-affected people that we have supported, others have friends and families who have had strokes. 

“Because we rely so much on our small army of volunteers to help run our groups and activities, every penny we raise goes a long, long way.”

Places can be booked on https://bas-charity-walk-2026.raiselysite.com/until 16 September, and will be available on the day, priced at £10 for adults and £2 for children. Dogs are free and wheelchair users are also welcome to take part. The event ends with free cakes and refreshments at The Nissen Hut.