How Inclusive Cycling Helped Pat Rediscover Confidence and Independence

When Pat first arrived at Macclesfield Leisure Centre at the beginning of the year, she was facing more challenges than most of us could imagine. Living with dementia and having recently lost the ability to take part in physical activity because of ongoing health issues, Pat’s world had become much smaller. Her daughter Jo, who uses the centre’s gym herself, spotted our Adult Inclusive Cycling session one day and wondered if this could be something her mum might enjoy. A simple question “Could my mum have a go?” set the wheels of a remarkable journey in motion.

In those first few weeks, Pat wasn’t able to pedal on her own. But that didn’t stop her being part of the session. With the support of our team, she took part using both the side by side bike and the wheelchair bike, ensuring she stayed involved, safe and supported every step of the way.

Week by week, something wonderful began to happen. Pat grew more confident. With gentle guidance from the team, she progressed to one of our recumbent trikes, a big step that brought an even bigger smile. Today, she’s able to pedal around the sports hall by herself, with just a little teamwork to help her around the turns. For Pat, this small pocket of independence means the world.

Jo shared a moving reflection on her mum’s journey:

“My mum was sadly diagnosed with dementia several years ago. Since then, we watched her decline and felt powerless to do anything to help. With the loss of her ability to walk and speak we thought she would inevitably be confined to a bed very soon.

One day, I saw an adult inclusive cycling session whilst I was at the gym. One hour later, my mum was on a bike! With a lump in my throat and difficulty fighting back the tears, I watched as she peddled without being told how to do it. It must be true that you never forget how to ride a bike! We thought that she can no longer smile, but I definitely saw a smile on her face that day.

The cycling sessions have become the focus of her week. Andy and the team are fantastic at supporting and encouraging her to achieve more. Other service users warmly smile and greet her, and it feels fantastic that she’s part of a community for positive reasons. In all other areas of her life, we see declining ability but with the inclusive cycling sessions we have seen improvement in her ability to peddle and to turn and I know she feels really proud of this.

I cannot stress how valuable these sessions are to my mum, to me, and to our wider family who are amazed by what she’s achieved. A huge thank you to Andy, Cerys and Annette for all that they do each week, it really is a lifeline.”

Pat’s progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when someone is given a safe, welcoming space to try something new. Her next steps are simple but meaningful, continuing to build confidence, enjoying her weekly sessions, and experiencing those joyful moments of independence she gets from being back on a bike.

For others who may be facing similar challenges, whether related to dementia, mobility, confidence, or long term health, we’re here to help. Our Inclusive Cycling sessions run at several centres, designed for all ages and abilities, and supported by friendly, skilled staff who put wellbeing first.

You’ll also find a whole range of inclusive activities at Everybody Health & Leisure, from gentle fitness options to social groups and rehabilitation programmes. Whatever your starting point, there’s a place for you here and a team ready to help you live healthier, happier and more connected.

If you’d like to find out more about Inclusive Cycling or any of our supported sessions, just get in touch or visit Inclusive Cycling • Everybody Health and Leisure

We’re here for everybody, for life.

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