A STROKE survivor will be saddling up for a 60 mile bike ride for a good cause.
Stuart Crowther will be putting his pedals in motion on Sunday, September 27 in the Bristol Bike Ride alongside 23 of his friends and family in aid of the Stroke Association.
The group will cycle to the Costwolds and the Severn before making their way down the flats of the Severn Valley near Berkeley Castle.
Stuart said: “I currently cycle around 80 miles a week, and did so before my stroke, but this is the first time I’ve ever taken part in a ride for charity. There’s a real mix of cyclists taking part in our team, from beginners to enthusiasts and experts. We’ve even got cyclists joining us from Paris and Milan! We’re aiming to raise around £2,000 for the Stroke Association, primarily for research to help those affected by stroke get the support they need.”
The 54-year-old father of two is the managing director at Specific People and had a mini stoke just six months ago while preparing to go on a winter break with his wife.
Stuart added: “I was very lucky that my symptoms had gone within 12 hours. While I was on the stroke ward in Worcester Hospital, I saw first-hand how devastating the effects of stroke can be and knew I wanted to do something to help raise funds.”
About 46,000 people suffer from a mini stroke every year, the symptoms are the same as regular stroke but only last for a short period of time before the patient returns to normal.
These include pins and needles in the right hand side which Stuart experienced, luckily he recognised the signs and called for an ambulance.
Claire Haines, regional fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With about 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes – it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Stuart and his team for taking on this challenge; the money will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”
To sponsor Stuart, visit www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Crowther1.
For more information about the Bristol Bike Ride, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/bristol-1006025-mile-cycle
