​Stanmore stroke survivor calls for volunteers in Middlesex

Today the Stroke Association is calling on the local community in Middlesex to volunteer at the charity’s biggest annual event of the year, the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, on Sunday 10 May.

Around 3,000 cyclists will hit the streets of London for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, taking in capitals most iconic sights, whilst raising vital funds for the Stroke Association. The Stroke Association is looking for an array of volunteers to help with marshalling, refreshments, cycling with participants, giving out medals, and much more.

Shani Shamah, 58, from Stanmore, is volunteering at the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride for second time. Shani had two strokes in 2013, spending 7 months in Northwick Park Hospital. Shani adds, “I was terrified when I had both strokes; the first was a clot, and the second was a big bleed on my brain. I was not expected to survive, but with a loving family and friends and sheer determination, here I am today, living an independent life even though I still have a number of impairments.

Shani is in the process of finishing a book about her stroke experience, and also facilitates a phone group call every other week with other stroke survivors. Shani adds, “Last year I had a brilliant time volunteering at the Thames Bridges Bike Ride. I find that I am no good at raising funds, but I can give up my spare time for volunteering. Without the support and encouragement from the Stroke Association, I would have found it much, much harder to understand, cope, and to realise that you really can come out the other side. It is the least I can do, and I would encourage other people to join in the day!”

The Thames Bridges Bike Ride was originally set up by the son of a stroke survivor and his friends who wanted to raise money for the Stroke Association. Now in its 22nd year, the ride sees nearly 3,000 families, friends and keen cyclists from across the country take to their bikes to raise much needed funds to support stroke survivors.

Charlotte Wahlich, Regional Fundraiser for the Stroke Association said, “The Thames Bridges Bike Ride is our biggest event of the year and we require upwards of 200 volunteers to make the event a success so we really couldn't do it all without the help of our fantastic volunteers!

“Volunteering has an enormous impact on what we are able to achieve, and that’s why we are so thankful for each and everyone’s help on the day. By choosing to donate your time to us means you will become an essential part of a team committed to preventing strokes and reducing their effect.

“Each volunteer will be invited along to a briefing evening a couple of weeks before the event and will receive a t-shirt, medal, and travel and food expenses as a thank you for all your hard work on the day. There are lots of roles for volunteers available on the day, so please get in touch and help us to conquer stroke!”

For more information about volunteering at this year’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride, you can visit www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR/Volunteering or contact Charlotte Wahlich on 020 7940 1347 or email Charlotte.Wahlich@stroke.org.uk

To take part in the ride, contact the Stroke Association’s Events Team on 020 7940 1359 or visit www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR to book a place and beat the bridges.

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