I AM writing to say a huge thank you to everyone in Yorkshire and the Humber that has run, swam, walked, abseiled, hopped, held their breath or baked for the Stroke Association over the last year.

We have seen some fantastic support to help raise an incredible £1 million. It is a fantastic achievement and we are so grateful.

Every year there are around 152,000 strokes in the UK – one every three minutes and 27 seconds. Stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer, more men than prostate and testicular cancer combined, and is the number one cause of long-term severe disability.

But thanks to the millions of pounds raised by our supporters and charity partners, like Royal Mail, the Stroke Association has been able to support stroke survivors in their life after stroke and invest in groundbreaking research.

Since September 2014, Royal Mail staff have been raising money so that we can continue to provide life after stroke grants to stroke survivors and their families across the country at a time when they need us the most.

On behalf of stroke survivors and their loved ones, I would like to say thank you to Royal Mail for their time, commitment and support.

Jon Barrick, Chief executive, Stroke Association