Jo Cann, wife of IFP chief executive Nick Cann who suffered a stroke earlier this year, is organising a 300-mile sponsored cycle ride to
 Paris with former IFP President Julie Lord to raise thousands of pounds for the Stroke Association.

Jo, Julie Lord and four other friends and family members plan to cycle from London to Paris in May next year, covering over 300 miles.
The group is called "Team Nick" and has already received pledges of £2,000 from well wishers and supporters.

Jo Cann said: "We're doing it for Nick and all stroke sufferers. He's our inspiration but we're also hoping to raise lots of money to help all those who have suffered from strokes."
Team members are already in training and while Jo is an experienced triathlete she says she has never cycled more than 50 miles and the trip to Paris will take about four days so will be a challenge.
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Others, such as Julie Lord, are just getting used to life in the saddle having been only occasional cyclists.

Jo, who is head of change for UK and corporate benefits at Friends Life, said because of a good early response she had raised her target from £3,000 to £5,000.

Supporters can donate via JustGiving. Go to: http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Jo-Cann2 or you can sponsor Julie Lord at http://www.justgiving.com/Julie-lord3.
On her Just Giving page Jo says: "As you all know Nick had a stroke in March this year. Our world turned upside down and very quickly we had to learn about stroke, speech therapy and all the after care.
"The Stroke Association does some great work and really promotes life after stroke.
JustGiving sends your donation straight to the Stroke Association so it's a quick and safe way to donate."
Jo said others who want to support the trip or help out can contact her via Financial Planner.