Posted: 4 December, 2024
In 2023, Wheels for All, in partnership with the Sailship Training and Learning for Life Centre in Clacton, launched a small but impactful Hub to provide inclusive cycling opportunities to the trainees at Sailship, as well as the wider community. Nestled in a beautiful setting surrounded by allotments and a small, wooded area, Sailship features an accessible pathway designed specifically for wheelchairs, cycles, and walking aids. Deborah is one of our participants at Sailship and the benefit of the Hub has been massive for her…
At the age of 46, Deborah’s life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a stroke. An active mother of three, she had once enjoyed running through the lanes of her rural Hertfordshire village and cycling with her family on weekends. But after her stroke, her vibrant, independent life was put on hold. The freedom of the outdoors became a distant memory, and Deborah found herself confined to her home, relying on others to help her get outside. Despite these challenges, Deborah wasn’t ready to give up. Friends stepped in to support her by providing a static rehab exercise bike, but it was a chance discovery on the internet that reignited her sense of hope. She found Cycling for the Disabled in Hertfordshire at Stanborough Lakes, where she could cycle outdoors again, surrounded by nature. Using a side-by-side adaptive bike with a friend, Deborah felt the joy of movement return to her life. It wasn’t just about exercise—it was about reclaiming her sense of freedom and improving her mental well-being.
In 2019, Deborah moved to Frinton and found new opportunities to rebuild her life. Living in town opened up access to resources she hadn’t had before, including Tendring Specialist Stroke Services, who introduced her to Wheels for All. Eager to get back to cycling, Deborah embraced this new chapter.
When she first started riding with Wheels for All, she could manage just one mile, completing six laps around the track at Sailship. But each week, Deborah pushed herself further, slowly increasing her distance and strength. “Seeing the plants grow week by week is really lovely,” Deborah shares. “And every lap clocks up the miles. Now, my personal record is 24 laps—4 miles in one session!” Deborah has seen first-hand the difference cycling makes in her life, not just physically, but mentally too. When she missed two weeks of cycling, she noticed her stroke-affected side felt weaker, a reminder of how essential this activity is to her well-being. “I feel incredibly lucky to have access to adapted cycling,” Deborah says. “It keeps me strong, active, and gives me something to look forward to each week.“
While owning her own adapted tricycle remains a dream, the community support Deborah has received has been invaluable. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of accessible programs like Wheels for All, and how, with the right support, it’s possible to reclaim your life after a major setback.
