67-year old stroke survivor pedals 150km to raise money for charity
After his stroke in 2009, Nick’s busy life was changed forever, but he wanted to continue his love of cycling.
Nick Cole, a 67-year-old stroke survivor who lives in London, has pedalled 150km on his indoor recumbent bike to raise almost £300 for Calvert Trust Exmoor in North Devon.
After his stroke in 2009, Nick’s busy life was changed forever, but he wanted to continue his love of cycling.
However, Nick felt lop-sided with limited mobility and describes his mental state as being “like a jigsaw has dropped and you need to find the scatted pictures.” He, therefore, could not use a regular two-wheeled bike.
Nick was introduced to accessible cycling at Calvert Trust Exmoor in Kentisbury, Barnstaple in North Devon.
The centre provides accessible adventure breaks, and Nick visited with his wife to help with his ongoing stroke recovery. He enjoyed several activities but using an adaptive bike was his highlight.
Nick said: “I resolved to 'Never Give Up', the motto that still keeps me pedalling to this day. My first experience of what would go on to be my passion, recumbent cycling, was at Calvert Trust Exmoor. Finally, I could safely get the adrenaline pumping by hooning around at hair-raising speeds.”
When the Calvert Trust Exmoor centre closed due to Covid-19, the charity launched a campaign asking for fundraisers. Nick was keen to get involved and wanted to raise money to ensure the charity could continue its work in the future.
Once he'd finished cycling the 150km, Nick said that he constantly tries to improve his general health and mental wellbeing, and it is a pleasure to finish a personal challenge that keeps him fit and raises money at the same time.
Calvert Trust Exmoor wishes to thank Nick for his fundraising efforts.
“Nick’s strength and determination to keep going and keep improving himself is amazing, he should be very proud. The whole team thanks Nick for raising crucial funds that will go towards the running of the centre. We wish him all the best for the future,” said Joe Dale, marketing executive.
The charity, who provide accessible breaks for people with physical, learning, sensory and behavioural disabilities, is continuing its search for fundraisers to do their own unique Calvert Exmoor Challenge.
Anyone interested can visit their website for details: www.calvertexmoor.org.uk.
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