Congratulations and thanks are due to Ann Fallow who raised over £400 for the High Blood Pressure Foundation in the Pedal for Scotland Glasgow to Edinbrgh cycle run on 13th September 2009!

Ann is a Specialist Radiographer who works at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital. She began cycling twenty years ago after a knee injury put a stop to her ski-ing trips.

Having overcome the traffic and parking challenges by cycling to work everyday in the intervening years, in 2008 she was knocked off her bike at a mini-roundabout. Undeterred, following two operations on her knee, Ann was back on the road again within three months and was clearly back on top form for the 53 mile cycle run, finishing in an impressive four and a half hours including breaks!

As soon as her friends and colleagues found out that she was planning to take part in the Pedal for Scotland race they were keen to support her. This was a huge personal challenge on her road to recovery!

Although a keen cyclist and an active supporter of several charities over the ears Ann hadn't heard of Pedal for Scotland until Susan Inch asked if she would consider cycling for the High Blood Pressure Foundation.

Having worked in cardiology, however, Ann is very aware of the risk factors for high blood pressure and was delighted to accept the challenge. She believes strongly that more people need to understand the lifestyle factors that influence heart health, and the need for regular blood pressure checks.

Ann herself is one of the lucky ones whose blood pressure is well within healthy limits. Even a short while after the race, it was an impressive 118/63. As well as being a naturally calm person, and taking regular exercise, perhaps one of her secrets is singing, and spending time on the things she enjoys. The only time she's spent in hospital (while not working, that is!) has been with her two knee injuries.

Special thanks go to all the cyclists who raised funds for the Foundation on 13th September, including those we met in Victoria Park, where we were offering blood pressure checks at the end of the race.

It was a great event, and we're already looking forward to next year!

Published on: 23/11/2009

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