Press release -

Paralympic gold medallist calls on people to get on their bike for the Stroke Association

Stroke survivor and para-cyclist, Megan Giglia, is gearing up to take part in the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October, and is calling on people to join her.

Four years ago, Megan, survived a severe stroke which left her with paralysis in her right side, epilepsy and balance problems. However, she went on to win Britain's first gold medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio.

Megan is now urging local residents to take on the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride to help funds for the charity. Megan said: “I call myself ‘Megan the Second’ post-stroke. My life has changed for the better, but it took time to find the ‘new me’ and get to a place where I can honestly say that I am happy with and love who I am. That doesn't mean I don't have bad days, but that's expected. We're all human, but you deal with it the best you can and focus on things you’ve done well.

“The Stroke Association does fantastic work to change the story for stroke survivors across the UK. That’s why I’m asking everyone to take to the saddle and join me this October for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride. Let’s help raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, and conquer stroke.”

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 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 to have Megan join us on the day, and incredibly grateful for her support in raising awareness of stroke. Thames Bridges Bike Ride is always such a fun event, we’re really looking forward to cheering on Megan and 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

  • 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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