A Wimbledon stroke survivor is gearing up to cycle from London to Brighton next month.

In 2013, Riaghnach Loughran had a mini-stroke when she was out at the theatre celebrating her mother's birthday.

"All of a sudden my left arm went heavy," she said.

"When I tried to move it I realised it was paralysed.

"The feeling came back a moment later and I didn’t think much of it after that. I continued the evening with my mum and it wasn’t until the next day when my brother read up on the symptoms, that we realised that I should see a doctor.”

Doctors identified that Riaghnach had a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a trapdoor-like flap in her heart that can cause blood clots, which could also have contributed to her stroke.

Riaghnach underwent keyhole surgery to correct this in 2015.

Now she has decided to take part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride to help raise money for the Stroke Association

Riaghnach is training for the London to Brighton Cycle Ride next month.

“At the time of my stroke I was training for the London Marathon which then had to be put on hold," she said.

"In 2014 I took on a half marathon for the Stroke Association and felt so proud.

"I wanted to take on this cycling challenge to thank the charity for what they do, but to also raise awareness to others.

“I’ve been cycling to work every day and doing long bike rides in my spare time. My family and friends have been so supportive, I know they’ll all be with me on the day.”

To sponsor Riaghnach, click here.