10-year-old tackles Thames Bridges Bike Ride for the Stroke Association

Press release -

10-year-old tackles Thames Bridges Bike Ride for the Stroke Association

Mollie Rhodes, from Redhill, will tackle the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October to raise vital funds for the charity.

Mollie, 10, decided to take on the challenge for the Stroke Association after her mother, Jan, had a stroke in February last year, at the age of 44. Mollie will be taking on the eight mile route with her father Darran.

Mollie said: “My mum had a stroke and it wasn’t nice. My friends at school didn’t know what a stroke was and I told them all about it. Dad asked me if I wanted to do this bike ride to say a big thank you to the Stroke Association who helped mum when she was ill, and I said yes!

“I have a new purple helmet to wear on the day which will go with my purple Stroke Association t-shirt! I’m going to help mum make a sign for when she’s cheering us on the day.”

Darran added: “It’s been a really tough year, but I’m in awe of how brave Jan and Mollie have been through it all. The Stroke Association have been a massive help to us all, and that’s why as a family we’re dedicated to doing our bit to say thank you to the charity.

“Jan’s stroke had no warning signs, and we didn’t realise just how much our lives would change. We’ve always been a very close family anyway, but the stroke has definitely brought us together even more. Mollie and I are regularly going out on bike rides together to train for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, it’s great exercise and lots of fun!”

Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2017 will start at Kings House Sports Ground in Chiswick and participants can take part in a 55, 35 or eight-mile circular route. Each route will lead you through London; taking in world-famous landmarks, crossing iconic and beautiful Thames Bridges.

Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like Mollie and Darran at our Thames Bridges Bike Ride to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.

“Thames Bridges Bike Ride is always such a fun event, we’re really looking forward to cheering on all the cyclists as they ride through London.”

Thames Bridges Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 01 October 2017. The bike ride will start at alongside the Thames at Kings House Sports Ground. Supporters can take part in our eight, 35 or 55 mile route. For more information, please visit: www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR

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 more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. 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

    • Contacts

    Angela Macleod

    Angela Macleod

    Press contact Communications Officer Scotland press and Stroke Association research communications 0131 555 7244
    Laura Thomas

    Laura Thomas

    Press contact Communications Officer Wales 07776508594
    Ken Scott

    Ken Scott

    Press contact Press Officer North of England and Midlands 0115 778 8429
    Daisy Dighton

    Daisy Dighton

    Press contact Press Officer London and East of England 02079401358
    Martin Oxley

    Martin Oxley

    Press contact Press Officer South of England 07776 508 646
    Vicki Hall

    Vicki Hall

    Press contact PR Manager Fundraising and local services 0161 742 7478
    Scott Weddell

    Scott Weddell

    Press contact PR Manager Stroke policy, research and Northern Ireland 02075661528
    Katie Padfield

    Katie Padfield

    Press contact Head of PR & Media This team is not responsible for booking marketing materials or advertising
    Out of hours contact

    Out of hours contact

    Press contact Media queries 07799 436008
    Kate Asselman

    Kate Asselman

    Press contact Artist Liaison Lead 07540 518022
    Tell us your story

    Tell us your story

    Press contact 07799 436008

    The UK's leading stroke charity helping people to rebuild their lives after stroke

    The Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best possible recovery. It’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. The Stroke Association is a charity. We rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. Together we can conquer stroke.

    Stroke Association
    240 City Road
    EC1V 2PR London
    UK