Press release -
Team Nick takes on London to Paris Bike Ride
Jo Cann, wife of IFP chief executive Nick Cann who had a
stroke in March 2013, is taking on a 300-mile sponsored cycle ride to Paris
with former IFP President Julie Lord to raise thousands of pounds for Stroke Association.
Jo, Julie Lord and three other family members plan to
cycle from London to Paris in May, covering over 300 miles. The group, known as
"Team Nick", has received pledges of £2,000 from well-wishers and
supporters.
Jo explained; “We’re thrilled with the response we’ve had
since we started fundraising. We’re also hoping to raise awareness around
stroke as not many people are aware how common it is in people as young as
Nick. People can’t tell when they look at him that he’s a stroke survivor
because physically he’s recovered quite well.”
Nick was in hospital for seven weeks following his stroke
and when he was discharged he and Jo were left asking “What now?” Jo was
proactive and searched for an organisation that could offer Nick support.
“We’re keen to
raise awareness as well as funds to support Stroke Association and the work
they do. Nick’s speech has been affected by the stroke and more communication
support groups are needed. Our support is essential to help make these things
happen.
“Nick and I are on Twitter so it’s been incredible to witness
such a tremendous response. My team mates and I are Team Nick on Justgiving http://www.justgiving.com/teams/joandnick
and together our target is £14,500 and we’ve reached over £11,000.”
Bridget Stadden, Head of Fundraising at Stroke
Association Wales, explained; “In Wales there are over 11,000 people who have a stroke each year and it
is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 65,100 people
in Wales living with the effects of stroke.
“Jo and her fellow cyclists are making a fantastic effort
to help stroke survivors in South East Wales. If you’re feeling a bit less
energetic but still want to join us in the fight against stroke, come to
Pontypool Park on 10 May and take part in our sponsored Step Out for Stroke
walk and Community Fair which is open to everyone.”
For more details and to sign up visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout or call
us on 029 20 524 425
If you’d like to get in touch with Jo and Nick you can
find them on Twitter @JoCannmba and @NickCanncfp
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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 we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by 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 ww.stroke.org.uk
