STAFF from stroke services across Worcestershire joined forces on Saturday to take on a gruelling 240-mile cycling challenge, raising awareness of the life-changing impact of stroke.
The challenge, hosted at Abbey Stadium Sports Centre in Redditch, symbolised the 240 people in the UK who suffer a stroke every day.
From 7.30am to 7.30pm, NHS staff and members of the local Stroke Association took turns on static bikes, cheered on by colleagues, stroke survivors, friends, family and members of the public – many joining in to help clock up the miles.
The event brought together teams from the local stroke pathway, comprising of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB and the Stroke Association’s local branch.
Together, they cycled for change, raising vital funds for stroke research and support services. The event also supported May Measure Month, a national campaign encouraging people to check their blood pressure, the leading modifiable risk factor for stroke.
Healthcare professionals were on hand throughout the day to offer free blood pressure and heart rate checks, helping people take proactive steps towards stroke prevention.
Sarah Adderley, associate director for the Midlands Stroke Association, said “Over 88,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and gruelling recovery journey.
“Mums, dads, grandparents, young people, even children – anyone can have a stroke and its impact is traumatic.”
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