I'm taking on a 193 mile bike ride through Italy in support of Spinal Injuries Association (SIA).  The challenge takes place over 3 days, cycling through Pisa, Florence, and Siena.

The bike ride will be a challenge - I haven't ridden a bike outdoors on the road since 2012.  

Raising money for the SIA  is important to me and many other people.  In 2012 my disc prolapsed in my lower back that developed into Cauda Equina Syndrome - a type of spinal cord injury.  This injury has changed my life considerably.  Prior to this I was an active person who loved to run (slowly!) and cycle.   Now I can walk short distances with leg splints and sticks whilst relying on a wheelchair for longer distances and when out and about.  I knew I was never going to run again and didn’t think I would ever get back on the bike but…….

In the Summer of last year I was introduced to Paul from Active Linx by Emma Way to look at the Berkel Bike Pro.  This is an arm and leg powered bike with FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation.  This system allows people with spinal cord injury to actively cycle using their own leg muscles with some pedal assist.  I tested the bike with the input and support from Beth Langley, physio extraordinaire (Dorset Orthopaedics) and was amazed that I could be cycling again. The bike was ordered never thinking I would be cycling through Italy in a few months time. 

Since January 2022 I have been using a static version of the Berkel bike at home to train whilst my bike is being made ready for delivery. Once the bike is here I will be working on my technical bike handling skills and getting some road miles in.

I’ll post updates as my training progresses……..

Thank you for reading my story and donate if you can to this worthy charity.  

SIA 

Every day 7 people sustain a spinal cord injury, and I know first hand the the life changing impact a spinal cord injury can have.  SIA are the leading national charity supporting the 50,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK.  Your donations will make a difference!

£25 helps cover the cost of an SCI nurse specialist consultation. The nurses help SCI people to prepare emergency care plans, and support them and their healthcare professionals with bowel and bladder management. This small but vital intervention can save lives.

£50 pays toward regional support for SCI people. Families would struggle to cope without the practical advice and heartfelt empathy given by SIA regional support coordinators.

£75 Helps ensure NHS funding packages are in place so everyone with a SCI gets the care needed to live a fulfilled life