Jo’s cycling return is in tribute to husband
AWIFE will raise money in her late husband’s memory by taking part in a charity bike ride they completed together shortly before his death.
Jo Gregory, from Littleborough, will embark upon the Prudential Ride London on July 30 in aid of the British Heart Foundation.
She and her husband Mike, who was a doctor, took part in 2015 but in November that year he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 58.
The 55-year-old completed the London to Surrey Olympic route last year in his memory and will do so again alongside her children Siobhan, Ciaran and Aoife.
Jo said: “We always said that when we retired, we would spend more time cycling around the British countryside, but sadly that will never happen.
“It’s terrifying how life as you know it can change in an instant. Mike would have been 60 this year and I know he would have wanted to do the ride again to see if he could have beaten his time.
“So this year, alongside my children and some family friends, I’m cycling the same course to keep his memory alive. I’m sure he will be extremely proud.”
Mike had been playing squash when he began to feel unwell.
Jo drove him to hospital and when he suffered a cardiac arrest on the journey she administered CPR by the roadside. Though this revived him, his heart stopped again in the ambulance and he died at the Royal Oldham Hospital, where he had worked as a consultant.
Now Jo is hoping to raise money for research and awareness of how seriously people should take the health of their heart.
She said: “Heart disease really can strike anyone at any time and it’s only through research that we can end its devastation.
“A doctor for over 30 years, Mike knew the symptoms of a heart attack. But never did I think that as we calmly made our way to the hospital, he would have a cardiac arrest.
“He was healthy, active and worked full time. Just months before we had celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with a family skiing holiday.
“I’m just grateful that I was with him at hospital so I got the chance to say goodbye.”
Jo’s group is called Team MG to sponsor them visit www.justgiving. com/companyteams/ MGteam.