Firstly many thanks for your support last year when in September 2017 whilst sitting in my

wheelchair unable to stand my physio told me about a charity bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby - 110 miles !

I thought he was having a laugh but after calling on 20 good friends as a support team we managed to ride/ push a heavy tandem trike for 14 gruelling hours and my legs and back side can still feel it !!

During the ride I set myself two more goals - to ride it again on a recumbent trike and for a third time -assuming my hand recovers - on a proper bike (but probably ) with stabilisers

Over the past year I have had physio every day and can nearly walk but sadly the left hand still does not want to play.

So this year I want to ride Carten again for various reasons

First of all to raise money for the stroke association so that one day we may prevent this dreadful condition

Secondly I want to attend a pioneering clinic in London who have excellent results in regaining hand movement after stroke

Having recently been able to help in taking the Sunday collection in our local church Our Lady and Saint Michael's I have pledged that as soon as I can safely hold a candle I will offer to serve on the altar as I did when I was ten (some years ago!!)

To recap I will be cycling this year then next and then I promise I will leave you all alone - unless someone issues me another challenge for a good cause

If any one reading this would like any advice/ help on stroke recovery please feel free to contact me

alasdairkirkpatrick2018@gmail.com

Thank you all so much in anticipation of your support