Press release -
10-year-old tackles Thames Bridges Bike Ride for the Stroke Association
Mollie Rhodes, from Redhill, will tackle the Stroke Association’s Thames Bridges Bike Ride on Sunday 01 October to raise vital funds for the charity.
Mollie, 10, decided to take on the challenge for the Stroke Association after her mother, Jan, had a stroke in February last year, at the age of 44. Mollie will be taking on the eight mile route with her father Darran.
Mollie said: “My mum had a stroke and it wasn’t nice. My friends at school didn’t know what a stroke was and I told them all about it. Dad asked me if I wanted to do this bike ride to say a big thank you to the Stroke Association who helped mum when she was ill, and I said yes!
“I have a new purple helmet to wear on the day which will go with my purple Stroke Association t-shirt! I’m going to help mum make a sign for when she’s cheering us on the day.”
Darran added: “It’s been a really tough year, but I’m in awe of how brave Jan and Mollie have been through it all. The Stroke Association have been a massive help to us all, and that’s why as a family we’re dedicated to doing our bit to say thank you to the charity.
“Jan’s stroke had no warning signs, and we didn’t realise just how much our lives would change. We’ve always been a very close family anyway, but the stroke has definitely brought us together even more. Mollie and I are regularly going out on bike rides together to train for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride, it’s great exercise and lots of fun!”
Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2017 will start at Kings House Sports Ground in Chiswick and participants can take part in a 55, 35 or eight-mile circular route. Each route will lead you through London; taking in world-famous landmarks, crossing iconic and beautiful Thames Bridges.
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 Mollie and Darran 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.
“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.”
Thames Bridges Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 01 October 2017. The bike ride will start at alongside the Thames at Kings House Sports Ground. Supporters can take part in our eight, 35 or 55 mile route. For more information, please visit: www.stroke.org.uk/TBBR