Press release -
Ashford accountant goes the extra mile for the Stroke Association
Ben Simper from Ashford is set to tackle the Death Valley Cycle in South California on Saturday 7 November 2015 to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Ben, 28, started raising funds for the Stroke Association after his dad had a mini-stroke (also known as a TIA or transient ischaemic attack) on Boxing Day in 2010 and which has inspired him to conquer the gruelling 420km cycling challenge.
Ben said: “It means so much to me to not only raise money, but also awareness about stroke. I chose to raise funds for the Stroke Association because of the incredible work the charity does to support people affected by this devastating condition. Thankfully my dad has recovered from his mini-stroke, and as a family we are more aware of the risk factors that contribute to the condition.”
Ben will be flying out to Nevada on Saturday 7 November, and will travel to Death Valley National Park where he’ll spend five days cycling in the desert.
Ben said: “Training has been going really well, and I now can’t wait to get to the start line. My friends and family think I’m mad, but I wanted to do a fundraising challenge with a difference that would hopefully help me hit my fundraising target of £1,000 for the Stroke Association.”
Ruth Dunkin, Community and Events fundraising Manager said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes - it's vital we have people like Ben who can raise funds for those affected by stroke. We’re very grateful to him for taking on this challenge.”
To sponsor Ben, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Ben-does-Death-Valley
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
