The Brands

Fisher Expo - Stay Strong Charity Ride & Auction

The first morning of the Fisher Expo saw more than fifty enthusiastic riders gather at the Fisher Expo venue, Sopwell House, for a 27 mile spin out to raise funds for the Stephen Murray Family Fund. Riding with Fisher staff and dealers were Jamie Staff, Steve Peat and Tony Gibb. Also riding were riders from Fisher's newly announced sponsored teams - Endura Racing's Davie 'Wavy' Lines & Sandy King, Team Dirt Norco's Dan Stanbridge & Ben Reid, and Rob Barker, Lee Craigie & Ben Thomas representing Team Torq. 'The ride was enjoyed by everyone I spoke with.' Said Fisher's sales manager Martin Murray. 'It's really touching to see such a great turnout in support of Stephen.

The evening's Expo Gala Dinner included an auction of signed cycling memorabilia including signed Troy Lee helmets from Steve Peat & Shanaze Read. Jamie Staff's 2008 Olympic jacket & gold medalist's cap and signed Santini world Championship Jerseys from Fabian Cancellara & Cadel Evans. A 2009 Saxo Bank team jersey signed by Frank & Andy Schleck, Jens Voigt, Stuart O'Grady and the rest of the squad helped to boost the day's charity takings to a grand total of £17,500.

There are Stay Strong custom Santini jerseys available for those who would still like to contribute to the Stay Strong cause, but couldn't attend the ride. Please contact Neil Batt 01727 792618.

ABOUT THE STEPHEN MURRAY FAMILY FUND

Stephen Murray moved to the United States from Newcastle over 10 years ago with a dream of riding and competing with the best athletes in the sport of BMX. His goals were set high - to achieve what no one had yet accomplished. He did just that, in 2001 and 2002 winning Gold Medals in BMX Dirt Jumping at the X Games and Back to Back Gold at the Gravity Games in the same year. He would continue winning numerous titles & medals throughout his professional BMX career.

On Friday June 22nd 2007 at the AST Dew Tour BMX Finals in Baltimore, Stephen crashed whilst doing a double back-flip. Quoted as 'being one of the worst crashes seen in BMX', the accident was both career ending and life threatening.

Stephen was transported to the University of Maryland Medical Centre. He had flat lined in the ambulance and did so again after reaching the centre before medication brought him back.

In the first of two 7 hour surgeries, doctors confirmed he had crushed his 3, 4 and 5 cervical vertebrae, suffered severe damage to his spinal cord and the front of his vertebrae had been shattered. This left Stephen, professional athlete, husband, father of two young boys, now paralyzed from the shoulder down.

The injuries that Stephen sustained are no doubt going to affect him for a life time. Medical bills alone in his adopted home of USA can reach astronomical amounts. The Stephen Murray Family Fund was set up to help Stephen and his family during his treatment and beyond.

More information can be found at www.staystrong.co.uk.

For more information about the Charity ride, Expo 2010 or Fisher Outdoor Leisure or to obtain images, please contact the Marketing Team on 01727 798352 or via email at neil.batt@fisheroutdoor.co.uk

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