Physiotherapists at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity were delighted to accept the surprise delivery of an expensive piece of specialist equipment at the start of this month. Since last summer, the team have been on a mission to raise £5000 for a third Medimotion bike, with the hope that more of those experiencing the Hospice’s care can take advantage of its therapeutic benefits.
Jane Starnes from Burwell and her parents, Denis and Shirley O’Mulloy from Comberton, first heard about the Hospice’s need for the piece of equipment from Greta Bass; a friend and fellow resident living at Woodlands Care Centre in Arbury. Greta has attended Day Therapy at Arthur Rank Hospice since 2015 and whilst Jane was visiting her parents at Woodlands, Greta had talked about how upbeat and positive she felt about the sessions. She had particularly enjoyed using the bike and mentioned that the team were raising funds for a third.
Denis, Jane’s father had earlier purchased his own Medimotion bike as part of his own therapy for MS, so was fully aware of its benefits and the impact it could have. However, in more recent times he had been less able to make use of the equipment, so challenged Jane to look for somewhere it could be donated and put to good use.
She explains: “I often take my dogs to see Greta, when visiting my parents at Woodlands and she is always saying how well supported she is by the team at Arthur Rank. She showed me the photos of her using the bike and I realised we had found the perfect solution: my parents are delighted that rather than just sitting there or only benefitting one person, the Medimotion can be used by lots of people.”
Emma Hartley, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity physiotherapist and Day Therapy team lead adds: “Patients using the Medimotion bike experience multiple benefits including everything from loosening of limbs and production of endorphins, to prevention of deconditioning and gaining a real sense of delight that they are able to do something that they had thought would now be impossible for them whilst living with a life-limiting illness. Amazingly, another older model has been generously donated too, so we now have three bikes, two of which need to be serviced before they can be used. Once we have fundraised the final £1800 for the fourth and they are all in working order again, they will be ready for our beautiful new hospice gym! With more bikes to go round, patients will be able to exercise for longer and won’t be on a lengthy waiting list. Once we move to the new site we may even be able to hold specific Medimotion group exercise sessions!”
Those wishing to contribute towards the team’s original target of £5000 for a brand new Medimotion bike, are welcome to donate, as fundraising continues, at: https://www.justgiving.com/Arthurrankpedals/
Image: The O'Mulloys daughter Jane, with physiotherapists Zandre & Emma
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