AN ARTIST is taking on a 200 mile bike ride just two years after suffering a debilitating stroke.

Chris Jiggins, 42, is set to embark on a four day cycling challenge across the North Norfolk Coast to raise funds for Stroke Association.

Mr Jiggins, who lives on Head Street in Halstead, said he feels now is the time to do something to give back to the charity who helped him with his recovery.

He spent four months in hospital and then went through a further ten weeks of at-home rehabilitation.

Since his stroke Mr Jiggins took up painting and crafts after he was left unable to return to his previous job as a window fitter.

Before his stroke he used to cycle, and had cycled long distances when he was younger.

He said: "I did work on cycling in my rehab so it felt natural and gave me something to focus my mind on and train for.

"It's time for me to give back and if I can do it then it's time for me to give it a go.

"They rely solely on donations and funding to be able to provide their services.

"They were immediately in contact with me and visited whilst I was in hospital, so to be able to raise money for them is a way of being able to give something back."

The route will begin at Butler Road car park in Halstead on August 9 and take Chris through Aldbrough, Winterton, Stiffkey and finish up in Kings Lynn on August 12 after a 200 mile trip.

"The North Norfolk Coast is an untrodden path in the cycling world." he said.

"I've sold my artwork in North Norfolk and I just like it really.

"Some of my old friends I used to ride with are going to do a little bit with me and some of my local riding friends.

"My balance and eyes aren't what they used to be, I'm not a liability but people will be there to look out for traffic and support me along the way.

"It's quite a lot for someone who went through what I went through and I want to make it poignant that 'you can do it'."

Mr Jiggins has been fundraising on a Just Giving page since March and has so far raised £380 of a £2,000 goal.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/csjartist.