This picture is a good friend of mine, Mike. He had a life-changing stroke in 2019. He was newly wed to the wonderful Hayley, and only aged 50!

Sadly, Mike and his wife Hayley's lives have been changed forever. Hayley is a rock but stroke sufferers and their carers need a lot of support. 

To support the Stroke Association, I have set myself a big challenge. Please dig as deep as you can to help people like Mike, and to motivate me. 

I will cycle 200 miles solo with a 25KG backpack and no support team from the Tyne Bridge, along Hadrian's wall, down through the Lake District and Lancashire to the Liver Building in Liverpool. 

I am 45, so it will be tough:). I set off on Wednesday 23rd September and aim to do this in 3 days.  

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.