I am committing to cycling 200 miles for Spin for Stroke.
I'm not an athlete, far from it! Until 6 weeks ago I hadn't been on a bike in years. This will be built up from a daily commitment.

I shamefully didn't know much about strokes until last year when stroke came crashing into my family.

I start my challenge on the first anniversary of my Grandad being hospitalised for his first stroke.

As Grandad took ill he was due to travel on holiday, thankfully he decided against driving and delayed his trip, instead of a week in his caravan he got a 10-day stay in a Stroke Unit.

After being home a few days, a blue light taxi took him straight to another hospital stay. This time multiple strokes and seizures followed. At one point we were warned it was unlikely he would survive the day. In Grandad's stubborn style, he woke up the following morning and asked what was for breakfast - he was completely unaware of the worry from the previous 24 hours.

It wasn't too long before he was allowed home again. 

The week my Grandad got signed off for his home rehabilitation visits, my Grandma became unwell. She had been riddled with worry for weeks, she was exhausted from caring and it came to light that she had a TIA - mini-stroke.

Grandma then spent a few days in the hospital too.

Before this, they were both fiercely independent, looking after their family and friends. Things once seen as simple are now exhausting, it has been difficult for them to accept that they suddenly need support and need to rely on others for their basic needs.


As a family we know we're very lucky that they're both still alive but life changed forever thanks to strokes.


By doing this challenge, I hope to start conversations about strokes, bring some additional awareness and hopefully raise a few ££s too.

"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"