A stroke survivor from Chessington is to take on the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride.

Neil Irvine, 47, woke up one morning in February this year feeling dizzy and with the room spinning.

He later found out that he had had a stroke.

Neil said: “I remember thinking that what was happening to me could be a stroke. I told my wife and she quickly dialled 999. Unfortunately, the emergency service didn’t come out, but as time went on we knew something wasn’t right so my wife took me to hospital.

“I count myself very lucky in that it only affected my balance and hadn't effected my speech or one side of my body, like so many of the other people that have a stroke.

“I was in hospital for four days in total, each day there I pushed myself to get back on my feet. I still get a little light-headed every now and again during the day, and sometimes I have a few dizzy spells.

“After four months, I bought myself a bike to see if this would improve my balance further – and I now can't get off it. I enjoy every moment on the bike, and I push myself and exercise around five times a week.

“I can now manage to ride around 20 miles, but I'm hoping to improve on that. This is one of the reasons why I entered the Thames Bridges Bike Ride. I’m taking on the 35-mile route; I thought that if I set myself a goal then it would give me an incentive to push further.

“I know first-hand what it's like to have a stroke, and also to witness one. Four days after I'd had my stroke my best friend also had a stroke. I never really understood about stroke until I experienced it myself, and wouldn't wish it on anyone.

“I’m now doing all I can to help raise awareness and vital funds for the charity. This is quite a big challenge for me following my stroke, but I know I’ll feel so proud when I make it to the finish line.”

The Thames Bridges Bike Ride will take place on October 1, starting in Chiswick with participants undertaking a 55, 35 or eight-mile circular route through London.

Emma Evans, events manager at the Stroke Association, said: “With around 1.2 million people across the UK living with the devastating impact of stroke, it is vital that we have people like Neil at our Thames Bridges Bike Ride to raise funds and help us conquer stroke. The money raised will fund vital research and support for stroke survivors, as well as help to prevent people from having a stroke.

“We’re delighted that Neil has made such a great recovery from his stroke and is taking on the challenge for us. Thames Bridges Bike Ride is always such a fun event; we’re really looking forward to cheering on all the cyclists as they ride through London.”

For more information about the ride, visit stroke.org.uk/TBBR, and to sponsor Neil visit justgiving.com/fundraising/nirv.

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