This year’s Life Cycle challenge will see the University’s 12-strong team ride over 1,100 miles in aid of stroke rehabilitation research.

Led by Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway, they will take in Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Cardiff and London between Monday 19 August and Sunday 1 September. The ride starts and finishes at University Park, where there will be a community day to welcome the return of the team.

Health and wellbeing is a key theme of Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, the University’s £150m drive to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. The money raised from Life Cycle 3 will support stroke survivors after they leave hospital and stop them becoming isolated or housebound. About 130,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke each year. It is the most common cause of death after cancer and heart disease.

Last year’s Life Cycle raised funds for Nottingham Potential, which helps less advantaged young people reach their academic potential. The first Life Cycle in 2011 supported the University’s Sue Ryder Care Centre for research on supportive, palliative and end of life care.

Professor Greenaway will be joined by some new riders including stroke rehabilitation expert Professor Marion Walker MBE.

Professor Greenaway said: “Stroke rehabilitation research is not glamorous laboratory-based research, but is patient based, often qualitative, and can be more complex because of its reliance on therapists. However, as a reason for undertaking Life Cycle 3 it is deeply motivating – improving the wellbeing and quality of life of stroke survivors through rehabilitation is a growing challenge.

“This year our journey will take us to the five capitals of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, including some major cities along the way. We will face some demanding terrain over the 1,100 miles, but starting and ending in Nottingham will be a big thrill, especially finishing on the Community Day on Sunday 1 September.

“The team has been overwhelmed with the support received for the last two Life Cycles, and I hope it will be the same this year.”

Professor Walker said: “Stroke rehabilitation research is my lifelong passion. Stroke not only affects individuals in a cruel and often devastating way but has a significant impact on the lives of their carers and friends.

“I have been working in this area for the whole of my career and have seen the positive impact that our research can make on individual’s lives. It is fabulous to know that our work is helping shape the services and treatments that stroke survivors and their families receive. This is why I am prepared to get on a bike again… for the first time in 40 years!”

Visit: http://nott.ac.uk/cycle3