The largest fundraiser in Manitoba for the annual Big Bike Ride for the Heart and Stroke Foundation calls Eden home. Jeanette Dolding has been awarded a bike in recognition of raising the most money out of any Big Bike Riders this year in central Manitoba. Dolding collected $2,600 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “And not only is she the highest fundraiser here, she is the highest fundraiser in Manitoba,” Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Catherine Newham explained. This is the second consecutive year Dolding has won the bike. Last year, she also won after raising around $2,400. “When you consider that and what she raised, it’s amazing,” Newham added. “She’s an ambassador for the foundation. She’s a young person who is a stroke survivor who now supports us.” In her mid-30's, before Dolding became an avid Big Bike Ride supporter and fundraiser, she suffered from five strokes - three Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or mini-stroke) strokes, another significant stroke, and one major stroke. The mother of three was fortunate to emerge as a survivor, and has become a dedicated supporter of stroke research ever since, along with her family. In total, Dolding has been riding for about five years and has raised over $10,000. “After I had a stroke I was contacted and asked if I would join the Big Bike Ride, and I said I would,” Dolding explained. “We need to have more research done, and we need to get people to know about the Heart and Stroke foundation. There’s not enough information out there. “I’ve read literature and I’ve heard about more people having heart attacks and strokes. There’s opportunity for them to get the help, but they need to know how they can check into it.” “And it’s important we talk about young people, because they can happen to anyone,” Newham added. “It’s all about prevention. It’s important you eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. That’s why our fundraiser is the Big Bike Ride.” Neepawa’s Big Bike riders collected about $6,400 this year. It’s believed that was the highest amount raised in all of rural Manitoba by one team. Dolding was team captain and organizer for Neepawa’s ride for the last two years but is stepping back now. She will instead help ease new captains Trudy and Francis McCarthy into the position for next year.