Press release -
IFP Chief Executive takes on 100 mile cycle ride after stroke
Team Nick is at it again.
After raising over £50,000 last year from several fundraising challenges, Nick and Jo Cann are back on the road and training for the CARTEN 100 mile cycle ride.
Nick is on long term sick leave recovering from a stroke he had in March 2013. Following the stroke Nick has weakness on his right side and communication difficulties with his speech.
He’s taking part in the 100 mile CARTEN bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby on Saturday 9 May to raise £5,000 for the Stroke Association.
Nick explained: "People who know me think I'm mad as I wasn't a cyclist before my stroke I but feel this will be a personal challenge.
"I am cycling on my own bike and I am part of a team of 10 others with disabilities of varying degrees. Some are cycling on tandems, others using hand bikes."
He will be cycling with others who have had strokes or other disabilities.
Nick said: "I am hoping for an Easterly breeze so I will get pushed along. This isn't easy and I whilst I have been training in the gym it is different riding a bike on the road.
"Changing gears with my right hand is a problem so I am hoping to have the bike adapted and I also find I lean to the right as I have a weakness there."
He added: "I am raising money for the Stroke Association in Wales – you can support me and others like me with strokes via the link below. Thanks for your continued support."
His wife Jo will be his support rider there to encourage him to keep going.
She said: "This is a really tough challenge but Nick is determined to give it his best shot."
IFP communications director Sue Whitbread said: "Nick is a man of many talents, however, unlike his wife Jo, Nick is not exactly well known for his cycling prowess. So from all of us at the IFP we say well done to Nick for attempting this huge challenge for such a great cause. You are an inspiration to us all and we hope you smash your fund raising target."
Bridget Stadden, Community Events and Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said:
“There are over 11,000 strokes in Wales every year and over 65,100 people living with the effects of stroke. Stroke can be devastating for survivors, their families and friends but with support of people like Nick and Jo we can raise awareness and money so together we can conquer stroke.
“After Jo and her team’s amazing London to Paris ride last year we’re thrilled Nick’s found his own challenge and we’re looking forward to hearing how he and his team get on.”
https://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Cann
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 around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. 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
