Press release - 31 August 2017 16:23

Woolwich stroke survivor set to tackle Thames Bridges Bike Ride

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

Father of two, Baz Kelly, 54, had a stroke at the age of 25 which left him unable to move the right side of his body, speak or swallow. Baz’s stroke also affected his vision, leaving him with partial blindness in his right and left eye. For eight months the only way Baz could see, was for him to move his head to a 45 degree angle.

Baz said: "People don't realise the emotional side of a stroke. You can feel very alone. I spend a lot of my time raising awareness of stroke and speaking to other stroke survivors. I believe it’s so important for more people understand about the condition, and how to spot the signs of a stroke.

“I’m really looking forward to the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, especially meeting other stroke survivors and riding with them to the finish line. It always feels so good to know you’re doing something to support a fantastic cause, whilst raising awareness.”

The 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 cyclists 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 Baz 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 Baz has made a good 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.”

The 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 Baz, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bazk

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