Press release -
Worcester man completes 3,000 mile motorcycle ride for the Stroke Association
Alex Husband, 44, from Leigh, has successfully completed a 3,000 mile long road motorcycle challenge around the UK mainland, raising £680 for the Stroke Association.
Alex was inspired to take on the challenge after his mother-in-law had a stroke three years ago. Eileen Harris was at home with her grandson when she had a major stroke, which severely affected her right side.
Eileen’s grandson, Daniel, 17, was in the house at the time and acted fast by phoning 999. Eileen’s stroke left her with aphasia, a condition which affects people’s ability to communicate. She has since received support from the Stroke Association, and is working hard on her rehabilitation.
Alex started his challenge from from Worcester and the whole journey totalled around 3,000 miles over seven days, slightly longer than the 2,600 miles he originally anticipated.
Alex said: “I chose to do the ride this way as it is a more challenging way of doing the Land’s End to John O’Groats trip. It rained most of the way round and was quite taxing. Riding round Scotland was fantastic, as the weather was good and scenery breath-taking. I ended up doing more miles than originally planned as I had a few stop offs and detours. Most of the days were around 12 hours on the road; it was a real challenge!
“I was inspired take this on to help other people who are faced with stroke like my mother-in-law. Eileen’s stroke was a huge shock for the whole family and the Stroke Association has played a huge part in her recovery. By completing the cycle I hope it’s helped to raise more awareness of stroke, and also vital funds to help the charity continue the work they do.”
Sophie James, Community & Events Fundraising Manager for the Stroke Association in the West Midlands, 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 Alex 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 help conquer stroke, and show your support to Alex, visit www.justgiving.com/Alex-thelongroad.
Skellerns Motorcycles in Worcester kindly provided Alex with a free of charge service for his motorbike prior to the trip and have also been collecting donations towards the challenge in their shop in Sidbury. If anyone would like to pop in to make a donation please visit them at: 52 Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HZ
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.
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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 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
