Press release -

Hertfordshire stroke survivor set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride

A Hertfordshire stroke survivor is gearing up to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October.

Father of three, Kevin Hutchinson, 46, from Bishops Stortford had a stroke in February 2014 whilst he was asleep. Kevin woke up the next morning with double vision and a different accent. As he was getting ready to leave the house, Kevin’s wife knew that something wasn’t right and quickly dialled 999.

Kevin said: “I am recovering every week, it’s a constant journey. I have to be careful about what I do and how much I do, but by doing so the rewards in my recovery are huge. I feel so lucky to be here still, every day is a bonus.

“I have a fantastic family who have been there for me throughout my recovery. My wife has been absolutely amazing, she has kept me smiling and laughing, even when she’s felt alone. Without her support I would never have made the recovery that I have so far.

“I have been left with some things that I can’t do anymore, like playing tennis or golf. But what’s most important is that my attitude to life has changed dramatically. Before my stroke I never really had a separation between work and my personal life, but I’ve had a huge wake up call which has made me realise what is really important in my life.I now enjoy relaxing, holidays, and time with my family.

“I’m really looking forward to the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride. Training is going really well, I’m currently riding 25 miles each week. I know how proud I will feel to be supporting such a fantastic charity on the day.”

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 Kevin 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.

“We’re delighted that Kevin has made such a great recovery from his stroke and is taking on the challenge for us. 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 Kevin, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-hutchinson8

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

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