By Daisy Hythe-Clayton at Stroke.

“The Stroke Association is offering people the chance to beat the bridges and help conquer stroke by taking part in the Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 10 May 2015.

Around 3,000 cyclists will hit the streets of London next year for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, taking in capitals most iconic sights, whilst raising vital funds for the Stroke Association.

The charity hopes to raise much needed funds for its work supporting people living with effects of stroke. There are three routes people can sign up to:

• The ‘Extended’ 50 mile route, the longest and most challenging of the three routes which takes on 50 miles of cycling fun.
• The ‘Classic’ route, for the rider in us all, taking on 16 bridges, covering 34 miles.
• The ‘Family’ 8 mile route, where trikes and tandems are very welcome!

The Thames Bridges Bike Ride was originally set up by the son of a stroke survivor and his friends who wanted to raise money for the Stroke Association. Now in its 22^nd year, the ride sees nearly 3,000 families, friends and keen cyclists from across the country take to their bikes to raise much needed funds to support stroke survivors.

Julia Selby, Events Manager from the Stroke Association says, “The Thames Bridges Bike Ride is one of the Stroke Association’s most loved fundraising events. Every May, cyclists take to the streets of London to complete the bike ride, crossing London’s most famous and beautiful bridges along the way.  The event has grown year on year and in 2015 we are aiming to have 3,000 cyclists trying to beat the bridges!”

There are 152,000 strokes every year across the UK. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it is the most common cause of severe adult disability in the UK.

This year, the Thames Bridges Bike Ride will be sponsored by Vision Express. Julia continues, “We’re absolutely delighted to have Vision Express on the Thames Bridges Bike Ride team this year. Visual problems affect up to two thirds of stroke survivors so we know it’s a topic that really matters.  With Vision Express’s support, we’re proud to be bringing you the Thames Bridges Bike Ride in 2015 and helping to ensure people with visual difficulties after a stroke get the support they need.”

“We’re looking for people to sign up for next year’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride. We are excited to be launching such a fantastic cycling event in London that continues to be so integral to the work that we do as a charity. We’re encouraging people to take part and help us to conquer stroke!”

Registration to take part in the Thames Bridges Bike Ride is now open. So in 3, 2, 1, why not contact the Stroke Association’s Events Team on020 7940 1359 to book a place and beat the bridges. 

For more information about stroke, ring the Helpline on 0303 30 33 100 or visit www.stroke.org.uk.”