Press release -
Essex stroke survivor set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride
An Essex stroke survivor is gearing up to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October.
Stephen Culham, 49, from Westcliffe-on-Sea, had a stroke in January 2013. As Stephen was getting ready for work one morning, he felt unwell and called his son to get his wife. Stephen’s wife quickly spotted that he was having a stroke and dialled 999. The stroke has left Stephen with a communication difficulty called aphasia, and right-sided weakness.
Stephen said: "I’ve been working really hard in the gym to build up my strength on my right-hand side. I’ve found cycling a great way to build muscle and endurance, and I have really grown to love getting on my bike since my stroke.
“I recently completed London to Brighton bike ride in June, it was an amazing day but it took all I had to get over the finish line. I wanted to take on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride to help raise more awareness and money for the Stroke Association.
“I’ll be joined by my two friends and work colleagues, Dave Brown and Michael Foster, who I know will help push me through the last leg of the ride!”
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 cyclists 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 Stephen 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 Stephen has made such a great recovery from his 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 sponsor Stephen and his team, please visit: www.justgiving.com/david-brown220