Every May, people across the UK come together to raise awareness for a cause that affects hundreds of thousands of lives: stroke. In 2025, the Association’s “Make May Purple” campaign once again shines a spotlight on stroke awareness, prevention, and support for survivors. This month-long campaign calls on individuals, families, communities, schools, and workplaces to take action—and wear purple—as a symbol of hope and solidarity.
What is “Make May Purple”?
“Make May Purple” is part of Action on Stroke Month, a national initiative by the Stroke Association. Its aim is to increase understanding of strokes and their devastating impact, while also encouraging fundraising efforts to support survivors, fund research, and improve care.
Strokes are the fourth biggest killer in the UK and a leading cause of disability. Every five minutes, someone suffers a stroke. Yet many people remain unaware of the symptoms, the risk factors, or the importance of acting quickly.
Know the Signs: Act FAST
A key focus of the campaign is spreading awareness of the FAST test, a simple way to spot the signs of a stroke:
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Face – Has it fallen on one side?
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Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
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Speech – Is their speech slurred?
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Time – If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call 999.
Acting FAST can save lives and reduce long-term disability. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the outcome.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’ve been personally affected by stroke or simply want to support a good cause, there are many ways to participate in Make May Purple:
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Wear purple throughout the month and share your photos on social media using #MakeMayPurple and #StrokeMonth.
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Host a fundraiser at work, school, or in your community—bake sales, purple dress-down days, or sponsored walks are all great ways to raise funds.
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Learn more about stroke prevention and share information with friends and family. Managing blood pressure, eating a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce your risk.
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Donate to the Stroke Association to support stroke survivors and fund vital research.
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Volunteer your time to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives.
The Power of Purple
Purple is more than a colour—it’s a symbol of courage, resilience, and recovery. When people “Make May Purple,” they’re not only raising awareness; they’re showing support for stroke survivors and their families, many of whom face long journeys of rehabilitation and adjustment.
This May, help turn the UK purple and make a difference in the fight against stroke.