64-year-old John Ridley is set to undertake an enormous challenge riding 900+ miles on his own across France in potentially unbearable heat. Starting in Biarritz John will then head along the Atlantic Coast on the EuroVelo 1 route, to Roscoff, and then on to Bristol from Plymouth, with just his bike, bike panniers and a tent.
John said “At 64 years old I am not getting any younger and need to do these things while I still can!”
John’s momentous adventure, which begins on 16th August, is all in aid of the charity
Bristol After Stroke to say thank you for the support they have given his friend, Dominique. The charity help people to rebuild their lives after a stroke and John is hoping to raise £5,000.
Dominique sadly suffered a very sudden and severe stroke in May 2021 which nearly took his life and what he described as “like an earthquake”. Unfortunately, Dominique lost the use of much of the left-hand side of his body, and also loss of some cognitive function, resulting in slurred speech. Bristol After Stroke have supported Dominique through his recovery with the support of a stroke key worker, support groups and their physiotherapy rehabilitation course, Next Steps.
Dominique has been very determined with his recovery, setting himself some ambitious goals and has remarkably been teaching John, French, his native language, so he is better equipped for his solo trek.
John said “Without Dominique teaching me French I would be just another post-Brexit Englishman in France unable to communicate and (hopefully) find my way back home!”
CEO of Bristol After Stroke, Rebecca Sheehy said “We are so grateful to John for raising funds through undertaking this incredible challenge and for his support to us. The funds raised will make a huge difference to people whose lives have been so dramatically changed due to Stroke”.
To show your support for John in his remarkable challenge and raise vital funds for Bristol After Stroke, you can visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-ridleyb2b to make your donations.
