Press release -
Bristol stroke survivor clocks up the miles for the Stroke Association
Local stroke survivor Richard Gillard is set to tackle a 125 mile bike ride to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.
Richard, 28, who lives in Emersons Green, Bristol, was inspired to raise funds for the charity after he had a devastating stroke on his birthday when he was just eight years old. Richard’s stroke left him with right-sided weakness and the communication disability aphasia. Despite his stroke, Richard was determined to get back on his feet again.
Richard’s charity bike ride will take place on Friday 17 February 2017 at the University of West England Gym on a static bike. Richard is aiming to travel a total distance of 125 miles, the equivalent distance from Bristol to London, in a time frame of 10 hours.
Richard said: “After my stroke I had to relearn to walk, talk, ride a bike, and speak to people. Growing up, my school life was hard, but I have such a supportive family that I was able to pull through.
“Through my own experience, I know how devastating a stroke can be, and understand the struggles that stroke survivors have to go through on a daily basis. The thought of raising funds for such a worthy cause is a feeling like no other. I want to show everyone that there is life after stroke.
Jacqui Harrison, Community and Events 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 Richard for taking on this amazing challenge.”
To sponsor Richard: visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Richard-Gillard for more details.
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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
