Smile4Wessex

From the 19th of May to 18th of June I am aiming to cycle 1000 km for Smile4Wessex.  I benefitted from the excellent professional care that Wessex Neurological  Centre gave me and I want to give something back to help their funding of cutting-edge equipment and facilities that enhance the range and quality of treatment available, and by sponsoring pioneering research into new treatments for a variety of neurological conditions.  Please give generously to this wonderful charity (www.smile4wessex.org).

In the the first lockdown in May 2020, I collapsed and suffered a catastrophic Stroke.  Fortunately, the ambulance was with me in 5 minutes and in less than 2 hours  I had a mechanical thrombectomy.  Beforehand Dr Weir, Consultant Neurologist, said to my wife that without the successful surgery I would, at best, be in a care home for life.  At that time the neurological centre only had a Monday to Friday 9 to 5 service for mechanical thrombectomy but that Sunday both Dr Weir and the consultant radiologist just happened to be in the hospital and considered me an ideal candidate.  I was very lucky.  I am left with some very mild right sided weakness and speech problems.  I started cycling again, after a few years break from the saddle, as part of my rehab and soon other friends,Tim Edmunds, and Coen Ter Haar joined me as support.

We will also celebrate a choir Concert at the end of the challenge.  Romsey Voices, Romsey Children's Choir and Romsey Youth Chamber Choir will be performing on Saturday 18th Junes at Romsey United Reform Church at 7.00 pm. All proceeds to Smile4Wessex.