Dagenham resident takes on cycle challenge for the Stroke Association

Press release -

Dagenham resident takes on cycle challenge for the Stroke Association

Kelly Drake-Tapscott, 40 from Dagenham is taking on the Stroke Association’s Escape the City Bike Ride on Sunday 30 September 2018, after her father survived a stroke.

Kelly’s father Syd, had a stroke in February. The stroke left Syd with a communication difficulty called aphasia, and severely affected his memory.

Kelly said: “When dad came around after his stroke, he couldn’t communicate nor could he remember who anyone was. It was heart breaking.

“When my dad left hospital I could see he was getting really frustrated and we all needed some help. That’s when I contacted the Stroke Association and they very quickly provided not only a lot of help with resources on how we could best help my dad, but also lots of support groups we could all go to.

“As a result of their help, my mum now has time where she can be on her own and have a break from being a carer. Along with this my dad has gone from not being able to communicate or recognise who we are, to now being able to talk with us and hold a conversation. He can sing along to all his favourite songs, and recently he was able to dance with my mum!

“I want to do all I can to support the Stroke Association as they were there for us a family at a really low time. The support and guidance they offer is a vital lifeline for many – I don’t know where we’d be without them. Taking on Escape the City Bike Ride is my way to thank them for all they’ve done. I’m really looking forward to it, I’m doing this for my dad.”

Escape the City Bike Ride is a new event by the Stroke Association which will start at Chiswick and has a circular route. Participants can take part in a 30, 60 or 80 mile route, leading cyclists from the city along Surrey's quiet, scenic country lanes.

Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, at any time and it turns lives upside down. It’s the fourth biggest killer in the in the UK and a leading cause of disability.

“We’re thrilled Kelly is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering her on as she makes her way through London and Surrey. Around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with the devastating impact of stroke. With the support of people like Kelly we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Kelly, please visit: www.justgiving.com/kelly-drake-tapscott3

Topics

  • 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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK