The charity event has been organised by former steward Nick Clarke, who had a stroke in September 2012. Nick was getting ready for work like any other day when it happened. He says: "I started to get dressed, and I couldn't grip anything, couldn't button my shirt or tie my laces. I laid on the bed whilst my wife rang 999. I was rushed to hospital where a scan showed I'd had bleed in my brain. I'm still recovering but it looks promising!
"As well as blood pressure checks, we'll also be bringing collection tins - I hope people will help us raise some funds, so the charity can increase stroke awareness, especially that a stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. The Stroke Association has been wonderful and supportive, and now I want to give something back."
A stroke is a brain attack which occurs because of a clot or a bleed in the brain, causing brain cells to die. One person has a stroke every five minutes in the UK. Around 45,000 people in Greater Manchester are living with the effects of stroke.
Over 40% of strokes could be prevented if high blood pressure is controlled, so it's never too late to help lower your chances of a stroke. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, giving up smoking and avoiding excessive drinking all help. For example, if everyone ate their five fruit and veg a day, the number of strokes in the UK could be reduced by a quarter.
The charity runs Life After Stroke services for stroke survivors and their families across Greater Manchester. Elaine Roberts from the Stroke Association says: "Our services support stroke survivors to make the transition from hospital to home and onwards. We provide a range of information on local organisations and stroke groups, and can provide specialist support to improve communication after stroke. We're always here to listen, as well as give advice on how to prevent further strokes.
"Thousands of people in the UK don't know their blood pressure level, so this is your chance to make sure you're not one of them. We will be handing out information to raise awareness of the symptoms, causes and risk factors of stroke and referring those with high blood pressure to their GPs."
Show your support by tweeting during the game #sharksforstroke.
For more information about stroke and services in the region, call 0161 745 8222, email northwest@stroke.org.uk, or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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