Press release - 22 September 2015 16:34

Oxfordshire mum tackles Bristol 25 bike ride for the Stroke Association

A Didcot mum will take on the Bristol 25 Bike Ride on Sunday 27 September 2015 to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Zuzana Simpson, 40, from Didcot, was inspired to cycle the Bristol 25 after his her mum had a devastating stroke at the age of 41.

Zuzana said: “Mum’s stroke was a huge shock for the whole family. I was only seventeen at time doing my A-Levels and couldn’t comprehend what had happened. It had a huge impact on the whole family. At that age I wish that I was more aware of what a stroke is, and how to spot the signs. Thankfully times have changed, and there is more information about stroke in the public. I wanted to take on this ride to support the Stroke Association, who plays a vital part in raising awareness and being there for families who are faced with this awful condition.”

“I am a keen cyclist, and the brilliant work the Stroke Association does is now very close to my heart. I have already rode 77 miles over a weekend I spent in Norfolk in July, raising nearly £500 for the charity. On the day of the Bristol ride I’m lucky to have my son Oliver (11), my partner Simon, and his son Thomas (11) join me for the last push of the bike ride!”

Zuzana will cycle 25 miles up to the edge of the Cotswolds and towards the Severn, before making her way down the flats of the Severn Valley near Berkeley Castle. Cyclists can choose between three distances - 100, 60 or 25 miles.

Claire Haines, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 152,000 strokes a year in the UK – that’s around one every three and a half minutes –it is vital that we have people who can raise funds for people affected by stroke. We’re incredibly grateful to Zuzana for taking on this challenge; the money will go a long way in helping to support people who are living with the effects of stroke, as well as their families and carers.”

To sponsor Zuzana please visit: www.justgiving.com/Zuzana-Simpson

For more information about the Bristol Bike Ride, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/events/sporting-fundraising/bristol-1006025-mile-cycle

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.

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