Press release -
James Norton joins London cyclists in fundraising success for the Stroke Association
Happy Valley TV star, James Norton was joined by over a thousand people to cycle across London at the Stroke Association’s annual cycling event: Thames Bridges Bike Ride.
On Sunday 26 June, a sea of purple fundraisers took to Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to complete an 8, 35 or 50 mile route, raising more than £75,000 for the charity.
Among the participants was actor James Norton, who organised a team of six , including his girlfriend and actress Jessie Buckley. James’ team named themselves, ‘Granster’, in memory of James’ grandmother who had a stroke five years ago.
James said: “I’m so proud to be part of an incredible group of fundraisers who are really going the extra mile for people affected by stroke. The Stroke Association is a cause very close to my heart as both my grandmother and grandfather has had strokes, and I know all too well how devastating the condition can be.
“Thanks to everyone who took part in the Thames Bridges Bike Ride today, we’ll be able to help even more stroke survivors who are on the road to recovery.”
Rob Hope, Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “It was great to cheer James on as he took on our Thames Bridges Bike Ride, but everyone who has supported the Stroke Association is a star in our eyes! We’re extremely grateful to everyone who took part – it was a fantastic turn out and a great day for everyone involved. The money raised will fund vital research and support, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.”
At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control and exercising more.
The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading stroke charity which campaigns to improve stroke care; supports people to make the best recovery they can; and funds ground-breaking research to change the lives of people affected by stroke. For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visitwww.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 one of the largest causes of 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
