​Worcester stroke survivor tackles 60 mile bike ride for the Stroke Association

A Worcester stroke survivor will take on the Bristol Bike Ride on Sunday 27 September 2015, alongside 23 friends and family members, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

Father of two Stuart Crowther, 54, is the Managing Director of project management consultancy, Specific People. He had a mini-stroke (also known as a TIA or transient ischaemic attack) in February this year, while preparing to go on a winter break with his wife.

Every year, around 46,000 people in the UK have a mini-stroke for the first time. The symptoms are the same as stroke, but last for a short time and people appear to return to normal. Stuart experienced pins and needles in the right hand side of his tongue and his hand, but luckily he recognised the symptoms of stroke from the FAST campaign and dialled 999 immediately.

Stuart said: “I was very lucky that my symptoms had gone within 12 hours. While I was on the stroke ward in Worcester Hospital, I saw first-hand how devastating the effects of stroke can be and knew I wanted to do something to help raise funds.”

Former rugby player Stuart will now tackle the Bristol Bike Ride, where he’ll be joined by friends and members of his family. Together they will cycle 60 miles up to the edge of the Cotswolds and towards the Severn, before making their way down the flats of the Severn Valley near Berkeley Castle. Cyclists can choose between three distances - 100, 60 or 25 miles.

Stuart added: “I currently cycle around 80 miles a week, and did so before my stroke, but this is the first time I’ve ever taken part in a ride for charity. There’s a real mix of cyclists taking part in our team, from beginners to enthusiasts and experts. We’ve even got cyclists joining us from Paris and Milan! We’re aiming to raise around £2,000 for the Stroke Association, primarily for research to help those affected by stroke get the support they need.”

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 Stuart and his team 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 Stuart, visit www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Crowther1. 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.