Call for people to get on their bikes for stroke

Cyclists from around the country will be taking to the streets of London on Sunday 11 May for The Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride.

2,000 riders will take part in this fundraising event which follows the River Thames over 14 bridges, from Tower Bridge to Hampton Court, giving cyclists the opportunity to embrace the city from a new perspective.

Beverley Silke, Head of Events at The Stroke Association said: "The Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 years, and now well into its second decade, the support of every single participant remains invaluable.

“Cyclists will experience an exhilarating 33 mile bike ride and a great day out.  The scenic journey will take cyclists through the city of London and at the end of the ride, cyclists, friends and family are invited to stay on at Hurst Park near Hampton Court to enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment of live music, food and games.”

If you would like to take part in this exciting event, please contact the National Events Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0311 or email nationalevents@stroke.org.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact the media team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. Entry fees: Adults - £19

                       Under 16’s - £12

                       Team of 10 and over - £18 each

Your entry fee will only cover the cost of running the event. It’s the sponsorship money that you raise that goes towards The Stroke Association’s vital work. We ask you to commit to raise £70 each, or £170 per family of four.

2. Each year an estimated 150,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. 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. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition.  A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

4. A stroke happens when the blood supply to 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 whist others can cause permanent or temporary 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.

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