Staff from Quicksteel Ltd in Middlewich will take on a gruelling 230-mile cycle for the Stroke Association, after they lost their friend and colleague just this year.

Quicksteel managing director, Jon Higgin has arranged the cycle challenge from Bridlington to Lytham (East Coast to West Coast) from Thursday, May 24, when he’ll be joined by four other members of the team, James Higgin, Mel Jones, Phil Moss and Gord Whitney.

They were inspired to take on the challenge during Make May Purple for Stroke, after Gord’s wife Sue passed away after a severe stroke just five months ago, aged 59. Sue’s son Phil Moss is also taking part in the cycle.

Jon said: “It was completely out of the blue and has truly left a huge void in our lives. We take on a charity cycle every year and Sue has always been a huge part of the team, rattling the charity tins and flying the flag.

“We knew this year we wanted to do the cycle in her honour, and now the Stroke Association is a cause close to our hearts.

“We haven’t done this route before, so it’ll be a challenge. It’s a long way and as we’re cycling east to west against prevailing winds, it’s going to be difficult, but we’re ready to take it on in memory of Sue.”

In the UK stroke is the leading cause of disability and there are 1.2 million people living with the physical and emotional after effects. The money raised through Make May Purple for Stroke will enable the charity to support many more stroke survivors regain their independence.

Mikaela Leape, regional fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “Every year we help tens of thousands of stroke survivors and their families through our range of services and free helpline, but we can only do this through the generosity of people like the team at Quicksteel taking on this cycle in Sue’s memory.

“Make May Purple is a fun and easy way for everyone to show their support for stroke survivors and we hope that as many people as possible will join in.

“Whether you choose to wear purple, dye your hair purple, decorate your office or school in purple, we can’t wait to see how even more people will Make May Purple.”