Press release -
East London stroke survivor and blogger set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride
Jools Walker, cycling blogger and presenter from Newham, is gearing up to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October, just one year after a mini-stroke.
Jools, 34, author of VeloCityGirl blog, had a mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) last March.
Jools said: “The mini-stroke was a really big wake up call. I couldn’t believe that at 33 years old, a health condition like that had happened to me. I was fit and healthy. It just came out of nowhere.
“The mini-stroke has made me realise just how precious life is. It helped put a lot into perspective and realise I should be doing more of what I love. As a result, I decided to go freelance to alleviate a lot of the stress and pressure I was feeling at work, and focus more on me. If it wasn’t for the mini-stroke, I wouldn’t have changed my life so drastically, but I’m so glad I did. I now have more time to work on my blog and presenting, and meet lots of new people along the way.
“I’m so excited to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride! I’ve been lucky enough to have cycled across some amazing places, but I’ve lived in London my whole life and it will always be a special place for me. I’m excited to join the team and be part of the buzz on the day of cycling around London.”
Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2017 will start at Kings House Sports Ground in Chiswick and participants can take part in a 55, 35 or eight-mile circular route. Each route will lead you through London; taking in world-famous landmarks, crossing iconic and beautiful Thames Bridges.
Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like Jools at our Thames Bridges Bike Ride to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.
“We’re delighted that Jools has made such a great recovery from her mini-stroke and is taking on the challenge for us. Thames Bridges Bike Ride is always such a fun event, we’re really looking forward to cheering on all the cyclists as they ride through London.”
Thames Bridges Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 01 October 2017. The bike ride will start at alongside the Thames at Kings House Sports Ground. Supporters can take part in our eight, 35 or 55 mile route. For more information, please visit: www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR
To read Jools' blog, please visit: www.velocitygirl.co.uk
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For interviews, photographs or more information, please contact Daisy Dighton on 0207 940 1358 or daisy.dighton@stroke.org.uk