A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise awareness of strokes after hundreds of people died from the condition in two years.

Public Health England's (PHE) 'Act F.A.S.T. campaign' is underway as figures show 901 people died from a stroke in East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

Data from PHE reveals 673 people died from a stroke in East Lancashire CCG area, including 156 under 75s.

Strokes also claimed the life of 228 people in Blackburn with Darwen CCG area, including 50 under 75s.

The figures relate to the two years between 2013 and 2015.

It has prompted the launch of the PHE campaign which aims to remind people of all ages to be aware of the symptoms and call 999 urgently at the first signs.

The FAST acronym advises people to think about: Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech – is their speech slurred?Time to call 999 if you see any one of these signs.

The life-threatening medical condition occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

Stroke is the third most common cause of premature death, and a leading cause of disability in the UK.

Bill Swift, 69, from Burnley, who suffered a stroke while running a 10k for charity in 2015, urged people to call 999 as soon as possible if they suspect any one of the signs of stroke.

Mr Swift said: “I started to feel strange; I was very light headed and more lethargic than normal. It wasn’t until the next day when I began to experience paralysis down my left side that I knew something was wrong and called my GP.

"Upon hearing my symptoms, he immediately called 999 and I was taken to hospital. It’s so important to recognise the signs of stroke as quickly as possible. I was lucky I managed to get the help I needed.

"So, make sure that if you suspect any one of the signs to call 999 as soon as possible. Because I was treated quickly, I have been able to make a good recovery and get back to doing what I love, being active and outdoors.”

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, deputy director for PHE North West, said: “Calling 999 as soon as you see even one of the symptoms develop – in the face, arms and speech – is essential.

"Speedy treatment will help prevent deaths and disability.”

Health chiefs from Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire CCG's are also encouraging residents to learn the symptoms of a stroke and Act F.A.S.T.

Professor Umesh Chauhan, who is a GP in Pendle, said: “FAST is a simple way to help people identify stroke symptoms: people need to think ‘Face, Arms, Speech, Time’ – think FAST - if they are concerned that a loved one or a colleague is perhaps having a stroke.

"More generally, strokes are avoidable.

"Eating healthily and exercising regularly can help people to avoid the risk of strokes.”

PHE's Act F.A.S.T. campaign launched on February 1 and will run throughout the month to raise awareness of the symptoms to look out for.

For more information, visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/