Press release -
Friern Barnet resident set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride
A Friern Barnet resident is gearing up to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October.
Beth Farrar, 30, was inspired to take on the challenge after her father, Michael, had a severe stroke in 2001 at the age of 56. Michael was subsequently diagnosed with cancer in six years later and sadly passed away in 2007.
Beth said: “My Dad was such a fun and energetic man. His stroke took everything from him; his independence and self-confidence. He was left with a speech difficulty called aphasia, and could only say ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
“We’re such a close family unit, and my Mum did everything to make sure that we stayed that way after my Dad’s stroke. We played games together, went on holidays and spent as much time as we could smiling.
“A day doesn’t go past when we don’t think about my Dad. I wanted to take on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride to raise vital funds to help other families like ours raise more awareness. It is so important that people know how to spot the warning signs of a stroke in themselves or someone else, to prevent the devastating after effects.
I’m really looking forward to the ride, my Mum is going to join me on the day and my brother is going to cheer us on; I know Dad will be watching over us as we ride through London!”
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 cyclists 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 Beth and her mother Marian 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
To sponsor Beth, please visit:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beth-farrar