Walsall Healthcare physiotherapist Mark Dawson-Dunn is saddling up to raise money to improve services for borough stroke patients – with fun and cake an important part of his training schedule!

Mark is taking part in the Birmingham Velo on Sunday 12 May, a 100 mile cycle through Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The 40-year-old, who is based at Short Heath Clinic, has never cycled quite that far before but has been working hard with some fellow Black Country vegans to train in readiness for the challenge.

Mark, who has worked for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust for 10 years, said: “Our Well Wishers charity is currently raising money for our community stroke service which helps rehabilitate Walsall people who have survived a stroke and I want to say thank you and do my bit too.

“The furthest I’ve cycled before is around 35 miles but I’ve been adding to this as part of the training I’ve been doing with both experienced and novice cyclists and last weekend I managed a 56 mile ride. While the training has been hard going at times we’ve kept it fun and a cake stop is never too far away!

Supporters can make donations via Mark’s Just Giving page here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-dawson78

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley added: “Good luck to Mark. I’m sure he’ll do it and I want people to support him by visiting his Just Giving page and making a donation.”