You`ll be able to meet championship-winning drivers and take a ride in your dream car around the track. Supercar Saturday takes place on the 24 October, kicking off at 9am. Why not come along for a great family day out as well as supporting a charity.

Every year in the UK, 150,000 people will have a stroke. The Stroke Association is working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need. By coming along and supporting the charity, you`ll be helping the quarter of a million people who are living with a long-term disability as a result of a stroke in the UK.

It only costs £5 to come to the event, meet the drivers and watch all the action, with children going free. Hot rides in your favourite car are priced from £20.

The star guest of the day will be Caterham racing champion Rachel Green, one of the UK`s top female racing drivers. You can pick up some tips and learn the secrets of being a successful driver. Rachel will joined by other leading drivers, including Paul Luti, Tom Dunstan and many more.

For more information and details about the event, please visit The Stroke Association website at: www.stroke.org.uk/fundraising/fundraising_events/castle_combe or call John Williams on 01392 447363.

ENDS

For interviews and photos, please contact:
Becky King, Regional Communications Officer for The Stroke Association
Tel: 02380 720438
Email: becky.king@stroke.org.uk.

SUPPORTING FACTS

:: Supercar Saturday takes place on Saturday 24 October at Castle Combe racing circuit near Chippenham. Public admission is from 09:00 and circuit rides begin at 09:30. Admission is £5 per adult; under 16s are admitted free. Helmets are provided on loan free of charge. Rides are available from £20 upwards, depending upon car and driver.

:: Rachel Green is one of the most versatile and high profile women racing drivers, having raced in and won several championships. She was voted "Driver of the Year" by Brands Hatch marshals in 2007. Rachel`s website is www.rachelgreenracing.co.uk.

:: Find out more about the event and get the latest news from: http://www.stroke.org.uk/fundraising/fundraising_events/castle_combe/index.html.

:: Visitors can get directions to Castle Combe Circuit at www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk.

:: Supercar Saturday Event Manager Richard Jones can be contacted on:
Tel 07961 565970
Email: richard_c_jones@hotmail.com

:: Stroke Association Area Fund Raising Manager John Williams can be contacted on:
Tel: 01392 447363
Email: john.williams@stroke.org.uk

NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services, which include communications support, family and carer support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

A stroke is a brain attack which causes brain damage. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999. If any of these symptoms are present, call an ambulance straight away.

The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 0845 3033 100.

More information on The Stroke Association can be found at www.stroke.org.uk.

ABOUT STROKE
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted.  Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal, whie others can cause permanent or temporary disabilities, such as paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

Strokes can be prevented through lifestyle factors such as a healthy diet - particularly reducing salt intake, drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and taking regular exercise.

Stroke statistics
:: Each year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke.
:: Stroke is the third biggest killer and the leading cause of disability.
:: Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation.
:: At least 300,000 people in England are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of a stroke.
:: A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Around a quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65, with around 1,000 happening to those under 30.