​Stroke survivor takes on 100 mile cycle for the Stroke Association

Nick Tomlinson, a 47 year old father-of-three from Wilmslow, will take on the Prudential RideLondon 100-mile challenge on Sunday 29 July, to mark how far he has come since surviving a stroke in 2016.

Company director, Nick said: “My stroke happened while I was at home after a business meeting and was caused by sky high blood pressure, something I was totally unaware I had.”

Nick was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital where surgeons inserted a platinum coil to seal the aneurysm which had caused the stroke.

He added: “Fortunately the operation was a complete success and I am now a new, and in many ways, improved self. Although my recovery took many months, I consider myself to be very lucky indeed.”

Nick is now preparing to cycle 100 miles during the Prudential RideLondon – Surrey cycle, to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association.

He said: “I’m now an ambassador for the Stroke Association, helping to raise awareness of stroke and the importance of knowing your blood pressure. I wanted to take on a challenge to show what is possible after a stroke, not least to prove to myself what I was capable of. I also want to raise vital funds for the charity to help others affected by stroke to get the support they need to rebuild their lives.

“My training is going well and has included a couple of 60 mile rides already. I’ve also had great support from friends and the cycling community at large. Fundraising is going very well too, with my friends and family being very generous so far and I’m hoping to smash my target of £750.”

Emma Evans, Events Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “For many stroke survivors, getting their life back on track after a stroke means overcoming life-changing disabilities and emotional trauma. But they can’t do this on their own. Every day people across the UK are regaining their independence with the support of the Stroke Association and others. We’re incredibly grateful to Nick for taking on this gruelling challenge to help raise funds for people affected by stroke; he is a real inspiration and proof that there is life after stroke.”

To sponsor Nick, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/N-Tomlinson. For more information about stroke, visit www.stroke.org.uk or call our helpline on 0303 303 3100.