In August 2020, three weeks after retirement, I suffered what is known as a ‘Basilar Stroke’ caused by an injury to an artery in my brain stem. This rare form of stroke would certainly have been fatal had I not already been admitted to hospital following the onset of early symptoms just a few hours before. Major seizures followed the stroke and I was left completely paralysed, but with my mental cognition unaffected- a state known as ‘Locked-In Syndrome’.

After three weeks I was able to communicate via eye movement alone, using an alphabet board and blinking on each letter to painstakingly spell out words. It was nothing short of horrendous, but my family and friends were by my side as much as Covid would allow. When I was stable enough for an MRI scan, the results showed less brain damage than the doctors expected and my clinical symptoms suggested. I resolved to fight hard and work to get my movement back. Slowly twitches of the fingers turned to full hand movement, I could start to move my feet, and as my dependence on the tracheostomy was gradually reduced, I was slowly able to regain my swallow and speech.

Knowing my enthusiasm for cycling, the physiotherapists sourced an over the bed bike (Motomed) for me from a different ward and from then my recovery really took off. I was able to drive the pedals from a reclined position in bed, which measured my power through both legs, working my legs, core strength, coordination and most importantly vastly improved my mental health.

After 3 months in intensive care I was discharged to a stroke rehab unit, with the next goal being to make it home. In my final week in ICU I undertook a 100 mile challenge on the Motomed in the hope to raise sponsorship to fund a Motomed specifically for the ICU ward so that other patients could benefit in the same way that I did.

The 100 mile challenge was the first of many that I intend to complete to raise the £10,000 needed, with my ultimate goal to be back in the Peak District one day, on whatever form of bike my body allows.

Thank you for your generosity in supporting this worthy cause.

Note that in order for the funds to be ring-fenced for the Motomed we unfortunately cannot go via the hospital charity, and therefore donations cannot be gift-aided / are not tax deductible.