Posted: 26 September, 2024
At Wheels for All, we believe in the transformative power of cycling, not just for fitness, but for freedom and independence. We recently had the privilege of supporting Karen, a participant whose journey with us highlights the life-changing impact that adaptive bikes can have.
In 2002, Karen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which resulted in foot drop in her left leg. This condition makes walking particularly challenging, as it affects the ability to lift the toes, creating difficulties with balance and posture. Navigating uneven pavements became a constant struggle, forcing Karen to keep her eyes fixed on the ground to avoid trip hazards. Despite her desire to stay active, long walks were no longer an option.
A few years ago, Karen tried riding a conventional bike, but it left her feeling vulnerable and unsteady. She longed for a way to engage in meaningful exercise while regaining some sense of freedom and mobility. That’s when she was introduced to Wheels for All by her colleagues at CVS Tendring.
In February this year, Karen was invited to Sailship to trial an adapted cycle. The trial went incredibly well, and our team, led by Hannah, worked to organise a Tomcat cycle loan for her. Unfortunately, just as Karen was preparing to take the next steps, she experienced a major setback – fracturing her right ankle in four places in March. The injury required surgery, leaving her non-weight-bearing for nearly eight weeks. As crutches were not an option due to her MS, Karen’s recovery became even more difficult, leading to muscle weakness in both legs.
However, throughout this challenging time, Karen stayed in touch with Hannah, and her doctors encouraged her to incorporate cycling into her rehabilitation. In June, 14 weeks after her injury, Karen finally took delivery of the Tomcat bike, and we were thrilled to be there with her for that first ride.
Living close to the seafront, Karen has been able to enjoy cycling along the promenade. Her physiotherapist has been delighted with her progress, noting how the bike has helped improve blood flow, circulation, and muscle strength. For Karen, the impact has been life-changing.
Since receiving her cycle, Karen has been out riding 16 times, covering distances of up to four miles along the coast. Not only has cycling helped her regain strength and independence, but it’s also given her the opportunity to enjoy her surroundings in a way she hadn’t been able to in years. While walking requires her to constantly focus on the ground, cycling allows her to take in the beauty of the seafront and even connect with others along the way.
Karen’s journey has also inspired those around her, including her husband, who has dusted off his own bike to join her on rides. Together, they’re enjoying a more active lifestyle and the simple joys of cycling.
At Wheels for All, we’re proud to have been a part of Karen’s recovery and to see the incredible benefits she’s experienced. Stories like Karen’s remind us of why we do what we do – to help people of all abilities experience the freedom, independence, and joy that cycling can bring.
Karen’s words of gratitude mean the world to us: “I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to use this bike. Without it, my recovery would be looking very different, and I would be reliant on a buggy or wheelchair for long walks along the seafront.”
We are so thrilled to see Karen thriving, and we hope her story inspires others to explore the possibilities that adaptive cycling can offer. Whether it’s for fitness, mobility, or simply the joy of being outdoors, Wheels for All is here to make cycling accessible for everyone.
