Press release -
Stroke Association calls for volunteers in South West London
Today the Stroke Association is calling on the local community in South West London to volunteer at the charity’s biggest annual event of the year, the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, on Sunday 10 May.
Around 3,000 cyclists will hit the streets of London for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, taking in capitals most iconic sights, whilst raising vital funds for the Stroke Association. The Stroke Association is looking for an array of volunteers to help with marshalling, refreshments, cycling with participants, giving out medals, and much more.
John Bosten, 85, from Esher, has volunteered at the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike ride for the past 15 years. John had his first stroke in 1997, losing his speech and partial sight. He then went on to have an epilepsy attack and a further five more strokes. John will be volunteering this year with his daughter, Bex. He adds, “When I had my strokes I was terrified – terrified that I wouldn’t be able to continue my normal life. But I was very determined not to let my stroke stop me. Volunteering for the Stroke Association means a lot to me; not only am I helping the wonderful team run the day, but I’m helping the charity be there for more stroke survivors and their families. I know the devastating impact a stroke can have on someone’s life, but I also know that stroke survivors can be a really determined bunch of people! This year I’ll be volunteering with my daughter again; Bex’s helped out for several years with me, and she finds it as an enjoyable day as I do. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to actively support the charity in my area, and also show that your stroke doesn’t mean the end of your life. I’m really looking forward to the bike ride, it’s always a great day to meet lots of brilliant supporters and fellow volunteers.”
The Thames Bridges Bike Ride was originally set up by the son of a stroke survivor and his friends who wanted to raise money for the Stroke Association. Now in its 22nd year, the ride sees nearly 3,000 families, friends and keen cyclists from across the country take to their bikes to raise much needed funds to support stroke survivors.
Charlotte Wahlich, Regional Fundraiser for the Stroke Association said, “The Thames Bridges Bike Ride is our biggest event of the year and we require upwards of 200 volunteers to make the event a success so we really couldn't do it all without the help of our fantastic volunteers!
“Volunteering has an enormous impact on what we are able to achieve, and that’s why we are so thankful for each and everyone’s help on the day. By choosing to donate your time to us means you will become an essential part of a team committed to preventing strokes and reducing their effect.
“Each volunteer will be invited along to a briefing evening a couple of weeks before the event and will receive a t-shirt, medal, and travel and food expenses as a thank you for all your hard work on the day. There are lots of roles for volunteers available on the day, so please get in touch and help us to conquer stroke!”
For more information about volunteering at this year’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride, you can visit www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR/Volunteering or contact Charlotte Wahlich on 020 7940 1347 or email Charlotte.Wahlich@stroke.org.uk
To take part in the ride, contact the Stroke Association’s Events Team on 020 7940 1359 or visit www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR to book a place and beat the bridges.
For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk
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 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