Team Sandwell take on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride for stroke

Mathew Burling, 29, Steve Scrivens, 50, and Anita Crees, from Sandwell, are all set to beat the bridges this summer as they take on the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 10 May.

The team, dubbed as ‘Team Sandwell’, have taken on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride for over 8 years. Each member of the team has sadly lost someone close to them to stroke.

Mathew from Oldbury, lost his Nan to a stroke in 2000. Mathew adds, “I have always liked to support the Stroke Association since I had the unfortunate instance of losing my Nan to a massive stroke. Unfortunately back then there was very little awareness and assistance available and no real treatment for the stroke was given. Back in 2007 I dusted off the old bike and joined some colleagues to take part in Thames Bridges Bike Ride. Since then, year in year out, during sun, rain, or shine, we have taken part in the charity ride and loved every minute! I want to raise vital funds for the charity so they can be there for more people who are faced with this devastating condition.”

Steve, from Great Barr, adds, “My first experience of stroke was when I was a teenager and my Aunt had a devastating stroke. The impact of my Aunt’s stroke on her and our family’s life was massive. Her home was sold, and she had to be care for in a residential home. My Aunt lived for two years after her stroke with very little quality of life. Sadly in 2012 my father had a massive stroke and was hospitalised for 8 weeks, before having another stroke and sadly passing away. When my father passed away, my mother was hugely supported by the Stroke Association which we are forever grateful for. I want to take on this charity ride again so the charity can continue to be there for people in time of need.”

Anita Crees, from Oldbury, adds, “In 2005 my mom, aged 76, went into hospital to have hip replacement. The operation went well. I visited her the next morning. I waked onto the ward; she smiled at me when she saw me. I went up to her and started talking to her but all of sudden she was unable to answer me and it looked to me as though she did not recognise me. I called for assistance and my mom was attended to immediately. I was told that mom had suffered a stroke. I remember that for a while she was unable to communicate with us at all. She had speech therapy and physiotherapy, and thankfully went on to make a full recovery. From what I have since learnt about stokes it seems that my mom’s recovery was due to the speed of the initial medical attention that she received. I wanted to raise vital funds for the charity so they can continue in their fight to raise awareness of how important it is to act fast with stroke.”

Around 3,000 cyclists will hit the streets of London next year for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, taking in capitals most iconic sights, whilst raising vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The charity hopes to raise much needed funds for its work supporting people living with effects of stroke. There are three routes people can sign up to:

• The ‘Extended’ 50 mile route, the longest and most challenging of the three routes which takes on 50 miles of cycling fun.
• The ‘Classic’ route, for the rider in us all, taking on 16 bridges, covering 34 miles.
• The ‘Family’ 8 mile route, where trikes and tandems are very welcome!

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.

Julia Selby, Events Manager from the Stroke Association says, “The Thames Bridges Bike Ride is one of the Stroke Association’s most loved fundraising events. Every May, cyclists take to the streets of London to complete the bike ride, crossing London’s most famous and beautiful bridges along the way. The event has grown year on year and in 2015 we are aiming to have 3,000 cyclists trying to beat the bridges!”

There are 152,000 strokes every year across the UK. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it is the most common cause of severe adult disability in the UK.

This year, the Thames Bridges Bike Ride will be sponsored by Vision Express. Julia continues, “We’re absolutely delighted to have Vision Express on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride team this year. Visual problems affect up to two thirds of stroke survivors so we know it’s a topic that really matters. With Vision Express’s support, we’re proud to be bringing you the Thames Bridges Bike Ride in 2015 and helping to ensure people with visual difficulties after a stroke get the support they need.”

Registration to take part in the Thames Bridges Bike Ride is now open. So in 3, 2, 1, why not 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.