News

NHS stroke staff from across Worcestershire, alongside charity volunteers and stroke survivors, are preparing to cycle 240 miles to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Teams will set up at Abbey Stadium in Redditch, 31 May 2025, 07:30 to 19:30, to ride 240 miles on static bikes to represent the number of people who wake up to the traumatic impact of a stroke every day.

A range of healthcare professionals including nurses, therapists, and doctors from two NHS trusts are taking part in the event, including representatives from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB.

Stroke teams at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust focus on recovery and rehabilitation after the acute phase, while Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust teams provide specialist assessment and immediate intervention following a stroke.

“We work very closely with people supported by the Stroke Association and wanted to do something to give back. The charity not only provides specialist support to people impacted by a stroke, but funds life-saving research,” said Sarah Hudson, Integrated Services Lead for Stroke at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and lead for the initiative. 

In the UK, someone has a stroke every five minutes. According to the Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for stroke.

Sarah added: “Our sponsored cycle coincides with May Measures Month which is all about making sure people get their blood pressure checked regularly to help prevent a stroke happening”.  

Anyone can go along to the Abbey Stadium on the 31 May to cheer on our teams and be part of an important cause. Don’t miss the chance to get your blood pressure and heart rate checked by a healthcare professional and pick up a healthy, tasty treat in the bake sale.

Mariska Clossick, Countywide Clinical Stroke Coordinator for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am so excited to see teams from different organisations come together to raise money for a cause we are all passionate about. It shows collaboration and a unified approach. The Stroke Association does vital work to improve the quality of life of service users and are an excellent source of information and practical advice. We hope that we will see a big turnout on the day, all volunteering their time - and legs - for a vital cause!"

If you're there for a visit to the leisure facilities, why not stop and say hello to the team?

All proceeds go directly to the Stroke Association. The stroke team would like to thank Abbey Stadium in Redditch, Stroke Association volunteers, and stroke survivors participating, for making this event possible.

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Notes:

Statistics from the Stroke Association.

Fundraising link