Pedalling for stroke – the Cayfords
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Lauren Cayford and her dad, Greg, are currently taking part in ”Tour Aotearoa", cycling 3,000 kilometres from Cape Reinga to the Bluff, to fundraise for the Stroke Foundation!
The Christchurch-based family are looking to give back as our community support teams supported Lauren's mum, Heather, who suffered a TIA or mini-stroke in 2018.
A Transient Ischaemic Attack or TIA is the same as a stroke, except that the signs (face, arms or speech affected) last for a short time -often no longer than 24 hours.
Regardless, a TIA is very serious, as it shows that there could be an underlying problem that could lead to a much more serious stroke. More than one in 12 people will have a stroke within a week after a TIA episode.
Heather, who was out on her regular morning run at the time of her mini-stroke, started experiencing a numb shoulder and began to limp.
Unsure of what was taking place, however, Heather decided to go home and have a shower before heading to her GP.
When she jumped into her car to get to the hospital, however, she noticed that her right leg was now numb.
Unperturbed, and still not aware that she was experiencing a mini-stroke, Heather drove to the hospital using just her left foot.
As soon as Heather limped in to see her GP, he noticed her stroke symptoms straight away and dialled 111. Luckily, all of Heather's symptoms faded in 12 hours.
The only symptom that persisted for a while was aphasia, where Heather had some difficulties getting her lefts and rights correct while travelling.
"The TIA was a shock as Heather didn't tick any of the usual boxes when it comes to stroke - she took great care of her diet and went on regular runs," says Lauren's dad, Greg.
After Heather's mini-stroke episode, Community Stroke Advisors from the Stroke Foundation reached out to provide lifestyle advice and assess her recovery.
"Before I could even make it to the hospital to see my mum, a Stroke Foundation community worker had already visited her ward and reassured her about her episode and the support system that is available," remembers Lauren.
"The ongoing support from the Foundation was unbelievable, just really good! We wanted to honour that support and give back!", declares Greg.
The Tour Aotearoa circuit is described as a ‘bike-packing odyssey’ that follows a daunting 3,000-kilometre combination of cycle trails, off-road tracks and open country roads.