THE Tavistock Wheelers Cycling Club have presented a cheque for £300 to Plymouth Community Healthcares Plym Neuro Rehabilitation unit, in thanks and recognition of the treatment received by one of their founding members, Frank Welsh.

Mr Welsh, 82, was admitted to Derriford Hospital last November after suffering a cardiac arrest while cycling.

This left him with significant difficulties with memory, orientation and word-finding in his speech and written language, for which he was transferred to Mount Gould Hospital for rehabilitation.

He underwent intensive therapy and rehabilitation from a team of physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists and has now reduced these difficulties significantly and learned strategies to enable him to return to normal life and his beloved sport.

The Tavistock Wheelers are a well established road cycling club that caters for all levels of cycling ability.

Members take part in many cycling events around the country, but also place great value on enjoyment of the sport as well as improving fitness and performance.

To raise funds the club organised a talk at which Robin Brew, a top triathlon coach and member of the club, gave advice on preparing for cycling events.

Tea and cake were also available and more than 70 cycling enthusiasts attended, giving donations on Mr Welsh's behalf.

The cheque was presented to the Plym Neuro staff by Frank Welsh.

Geoff Whitlow, the chairman of Tavistock Wheelers, said: 'Everyone at the club were impressed with Frank's treatment at the unit.

'He showed remarkable recovery after his stay and we wanted to give something back to say thanks to the staff involved and to benefit future patients. He's now back on his bike and taking part in our activities again.'

Diane Kendall, an occupational therapist at the unit thanked the the Tavistock Wheelers and especially Mr Whitlow in organising the event to raise funds for the unit.