Double stroke survivor in anniversary challenge
A DISABLED man will be challenging himself to a staggering 200-mile cycling trial exactly a year after two major strokes changed his life forever.
Wayne Bryan, 44, suffered the lifethreatening strokes last year which left him unable to speak and with very limitedmobility.
As a result, Mr Bryan regrettably had to give up his job and move out of his home to be cared for at Newlands House, a Leonard Cheshire disability home, in Main Street, Netherseal.
He has been a resident at the home for the last three months and decided he wanted to give something back to the carers who support himby raisingmoney for the home with a fund-raising challenge on an exercise bike.
He will start the mammoth test on February 24—exactly a year on since the strokes happened — and he plans to complete it in nomore than 10 days.
Mr Bryan, who is determined to battle on to regain some of his mobility, has begun having intensive physiotherapy and working on an exercise bike.
At first, he was only able to do a few minutes, but over time he has built it up to his current regime of an impressive 10 miles a day.
Mr Bryan, who lived in Tamworth before his strokes, is appealing to residents and businesses for support.
He said: “I had the major strokes a year ago and I amnow disabled.
“February 24 will be a year to the day the stroke happened.
“With the support of Newlands House, I am learning to live with my disabilities and I now wish to do something to raise awareness and, hopefully, somemoney.
“Newlands House has helped me gain more confidence in my abilities and I want to thank them.
“This is a personal challenge forme and if it can raise a few pounds at the same time, then all the better.
“I am going to cycle the length of the Thames, which is approximately 200 miles, on the exercise bike in the physiotherapy department.
“I hope people will support me and encourageme to reachmy goal.
“I currently cycle 10 miles a day but hope to do 20miles a day.Wishme luck.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Bryan is asked to call Newlands House on 01283 763014, or visit the website www.justgiving.com/Wayne-Bryan.
Cheques can be made payable to Leonard Cheshire Disability, marked Wayne’s Cycle Challenge, and sent to Newlands House, Main St reet , Netherseal, Derbyshire, DE12 8DA.
