Ealing stroke survivor takes on 30 mile bike ride for the Stroke Association

Mike Townend, 59, from Ealing is taking on the Stroke Association’s Escape the City Bike Ride on Sunday 30 September, to mark a year since he survived a life-changing stroke.

In June 2017, Mike was getting ready for work one morning when he felt a tingling sensation in his left hand, and suddenly realised he couldn’t move his left leg.

Mike said: “It was a really odd feeling, and to be honest I never thought I was having a stroke. When the paramedics arrived at my home, it was the first time I’d heard the word ‘stroke’, and just couldn’t believe it.”

Mike spent two weeks recovering from his stroke at Charing Cross Hospital, and then spent a further eight weeks learning how to walk and use his left arm and hand at Clayponds Rehabilitation Hospital.

Mike adds: “It was completely terrifying. That’s the best way to describe how I felt. Within seconds I went from getting ready for work to not being able to move; my life had changed dramatically in an instant.

“The left side of my body was completely paralysed and it was several weeks before I could successfully wiggle even a finger. At that time my main mode of transport was a wheelchair powered by fabulous NHS nurses and therapists - the idea of getting back on my bike seemed a very distant dream.

“Cycling for me was a way of life before my stroke – I cycled everywhere. Every day I rode 20 miles to and from work, and I enjoyed cycling in my spare time to get around London. There were many things that my stroke took from me, but I couldn’t let cycling be one of them. When I came out of hospital in September 2017 I decided to speak to the Stroke Association for advice on getting back into cycling and they put me in touch with a company called Get Cycling who were incredibly helpful. They came to my home with a van full of different trikes, I found one I was able to rideand a couple of months later I bought one.

“The trike was totally adapted to me and my stroke, and the moment I got on it I felt liberated. It transformed my life and dramatically increased my mobility and independence.

“The Stroke Association’s Escape the City Bike Ride marks a year of me leaving hospital. It’s great to give something back to the Stroke Association, and to help other stroke survivors. I know that on the day, accompanied by my closest friends, I will feel so proud to hit the finish line knowing how far I’ve come in just one year.”

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 Mike is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association and we’re looking forward to cheering him on as he makes his 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 Mike we can help more stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives.”

To sponsor Mike, please visit: www.justgiving.com/miketownend