Pulborough man set for cycle to thank hospital

Stuart, who was treated at the hospital as a child, will be one of 20,000 cyclists taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 10 August.

Stuart, 24, was born with severe club feet and orthopaedic doctors initially feared that he may never be able to walk. Stuart was then referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he underwent three major operations and spent two years with both legs in plaster.

Stuart eventually learnt to walk at the age of five. Stuart now hopes to become a surgeon and has just completed a medical degree at Sheffield University.

Stuart said: “I thought this year would be a good time to celebrate what the hospital has given me and to give something back. It’s a big challenge and training has been tough, but knowing it’s for such a good cause keeps me going.”

The challenge, which sets off from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and ends at The Mall, will follow Olympic cycle routes around Surrey’s famous Box Hill and along the Thames. In preparation for the challenge ahead Stuart has taken on long rides in the Peak district and around his home town of Pulborough.

This year Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity has 400 riders and the race is expected to raise more than £440,000 towards the hospital’s vital redevelopment, replacing cramped and outdated wards with new state-of-the-art facilities.

Senior Fundraising Executive Gary Bansor said: “We are very grateful to Stuart and all our riders for supporting the charity and we can’t wait to cheer them on along the route. The money raised will help us bring hope to very ill children and their families from across the UK”.

To support Stuart and donate to the charity please visit https://www.justgiving.com/StuartStokes/

Report and picture contributed by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.