A KNUTSFORD woman who suffered a stroke at 18-years-old has thanked her friends for cycling almost 1000 miles to raise money to help other victims.

Charlotte Covey, 30, had a major stroke 12 years ago after getting whiplash from a minor car accident, leaving her unable to walk and talk and also leaving her with no mobility in her right hand.

After a journey of more than a decade, including more than a year for Charlotte to regain mobility and learn to use her left hand, she has enlisted the help of her longstanding friend Jon Burrow and his brother Simon to help raise more than £2,500 for the stroke charity.

Jon visited Charlotte in hospital following her stroke, and decided to take on the challenge to help raise money for a cause close to her heart.

“My remarkable friends, Jon and Simon, completed the Deloitte ‘Ride Across Britain’ this Sunday, where they cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 9 days, covering 972 miles all in aid of Stroke Association, raising over £2500,” she said. “I am so proud and grateful of Jon and Simon for giving up lots of time and serious energy for this great cause and I am touched that I have inspired them.

“I still have challenges due to not being able to use my right arm and hand, drop-foot and occasional speech problems, however at the age of 30, I am embracing the supportive network of Stroke Association, where I have volunteered with the Macclesfield branch.”

Charlotte, of Balmoral Close, told the Guardian that she struggled to come to terms with her new body, but that after years of struggle she has accepted it and chosen to help others who face the same challenges that she did.

“I passionately want to raise more awareness and funding for Stroke Association because as a survivor, we do need tremendous support,” added Charlotte. “I was and am very fortunate to have wonderful parents, family and close friends but I am conscious that many other survivors are not so lucky therefore needing Stroke Association more.”

Jon and Simon joined the challenge alongside around 650 other riders, taking on difficult terrain on the journey from the top the bottom of the British Isles.

The race also passed through Knutsford, where Charlotte met up with the brothers to given them support on the way.

justgiving.com/fundraising/burrowboys