THE son of a longstanding Fulham chiropodist is embarking on a mammoth cycle ride later this year to support his father, who recently suffered a stroke.
Michael Burchell, 76, had a stroke at his Fulham Palace Road practice last month but reached the stroke unit at nearby Charing Cross Hospital in time and is expected to make a full recovery.
However, the events have shaken his family who want to thank the hospital and the Stroke Association for the support they have received.
To show his appreciation, Mr Burchell’s son Jon, 40, will take part in the charity’s London to Paris cycle ride in September, covering 234 miles in four days.
The Epsom resident said: “It was about a month ago that my father had a stroke when he was at work.
“As he was so close to the hospital, he was there within about half an hour, which is great because with strokes timing is everything.
“It was very testing for the family as he was such an active man and was still working – he worked harder than any man I’ve known.
“I sought a bit of advice from the Stroke Association and I saw that they were doing a cycle ride.
“I immediately thought this would be a fantastic thing to do to say thank you to them and to support the cause.”
Although Michael lives in Croydon he has worked in Fulham for 50 years and has two Burchell & Associates practices, the other being in Moore Park Road.
IT consultant Jon, one of Michael’s five children, aims to cycle about 100 miles a week until the ride begins on September 6.
The father of two said: “I’m more of a mountain biker but I’ve got my training programme ready and that will see me covering something like 1,400 miles before I start.
“It does seem massively daunting but I’m sure as I get the miles under my belt it’ll get better.
“My family think it’s a great idea. We want something positive to come out of a tragic event.”
Around 290 people in Hammersmith and Fulham have a stroke every year.
To sponsor Jon, visit www.justgiving.com/jonburchell
