Hampshire stroke survivor set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride

Press release -

Hampshire stroke survivor set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride

A Hampshire stroke survivor is gearing up to take on a 55 mile cycle in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October.

Michael Maddison, from Gosport, had a stroke four years ago at the age of 67. The stroke left Michael with problems with his balance and weakness down the right side of his body.

Michael said: “I was fairly fit at the time of my stroke which I think helped with my recovery. Within four months I was back on my beloved bike, and I discovered that my balance problems seemed better when I was riding."

Michael joined a local Stroke Association Voluntary Support Group in Stubbington, where he met other stroke survivors and carers.

Michael said: “Joining the group was a huge turning point in my recovery. I realised I wasn’t alone and speaking to other stroke survivors really helped me. I now volunteer at the support group in Stubbington and really enjoy it. We go on day trips, play games, have conversations, and there’s always cake involved!”

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.

Michael added: “Last year I set myself the target to ride 4,500 miles, and I did it! I couldn’t had done it without the amazing support from the Stroke Association, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and the treatment I received at Queen Alexandra hospital in Portsmouth. I wanted to do something to say thank you to everyone who’s been there for me in my recovery.”

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 Michael 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 Michael 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 Michael, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-maddison6

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