Cycle workshop, Walkergate Park

The workshop aimed to support patients wishing to return to cycling after neurological injury or disease progression and promote cycling as a sport or form of exercise for all by introducing staff and patients to adapted bikes.

Guest speakers at the workshop included:

• Representatives from Headway
• Ben Hetherington, an ex-service user, Para cyclist and silver world championship medallist
• Craig Goff Cooper from Ride Electric, ex-service user and ebike company founder

The event was a great success and staff and patients left feeling ready to don their cycling shorts and get out on two (or three or four) wheels!

The workshop also raised money for the Shine fund – staff were sponsored to complete a stage of the Tour De France by cycling on the Turbo trainer, static bike or moto med. A competition was also held for staff and patients to see who can complete the most miles on a bike (walking, swimming and running also counted!) with the aim of covering the distance from Walkergate Park to Paris.

Feedback from patients:

“Being able to cycle whilst in hospital has helped me with my confidence and I feel free when I’m using the bike – thank you.”

Best money the hospital has ever spent! Brings me joy. I haven’t been able to ride a bike since I was a child and I have loved having the chance to use a bike whilst in hospital. I want to purchase one when I leave.

“The bikes have been an excellent excuse to get off the ward and enjoy some freedom on the grounds and at the lake.”