Gerard’s story – getting back into cycling !
Following an illness I was diagnosed with Heart Failure, then Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Prior to this I cycled to work regularly however the diagnosis stopped me – as I lost confidence and was afraid of making my health condition worse.
Roll on a couple of years I then made a concious decision to try and improve my health again since having Covid had impacted my health again. I also got a further diagnosis of Diabetes Type 2 and felt my health was taking a further step backwards.
I decided to sign up for a few Sustrans Cycling Initiatives – all free for Belfast Trust staff. The Men into Cycling – a 6 week programme aims to build skills and confidence to encourage more men to cycle for the work commute and everyday journeys. This really helped give me back my confidence again.
I started by cycling the short journey from my home in Lisburn to the local Train Station at Lambeg to my workplace at Belfast City Hospital, then cycling on to my base at Transport Services. I gradually increased this by cycling to a Train Station further away from home to build my fitness up so that I could increase my cycling journey. Today I am able to fully cycle from home to work, aiming to do this at least 1-2 days per week.
I can even now extend my journey home if I feel I need a further workout and I’m enjoying my commute. I mostly cycle the journey on road, using bus and cycle lanes but am also combining this with the Lagan Towpath route.
Such a difference in my fitness now, I feel much healthier, have lost weight, am less tired and have more energy. My overall wellbeing has improved greatly. The cycle home clears my head, relieves any stress I may have and allows me to connect with nature on the way home – in particular with the Lagan Towpath route.
I would highly recommend cycling to work, it has greatly benefitted me in more ways than one. If I can do it then anyone can ! – Gerard, Transport Maintenance Manager