Release date: 14/09/17

43 year old Simon Stevens is an activist and independent disability and inclusion issues professional. Born with Cerebral Palsy which affects his speech, balance and hand control, Simon is on the search for an outlet to manage his mental well-being, and the latest innovation by Tomcat Special Needs may be just the answer!

Simon has earned his place as one of the top 10 most influential people in the West Midlands, due to his expert knowledge of disability legislation and his efforts to champion the cause of disability rights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wQYmZW4bvg&feature=youtu.be

“There is little encouragement for middle aged disabled people to keep fit, despite the potentially positive impact that greater fitness may have on health service resources. There seems to be an acceptance that we are condemned to a poor quality of life, but with a little help that need not be the case.”

Simon believes that public health and well-being initiatives are generally not inclusive of people with higher support needs, so individuals like him need to look for alternatives elsewhere.

Which is why Simon has recently decided to take control of his own physical and mental well-being by embarking on his first ever cycle ride in his home town of Coventry. A scheme called Let’s Ride – which is organised by British Cycling – runs events across the country to encourage more people to cycle. Simon’s vehicle of choice is The Bullet – a new and innovative low sitting trike, designed and manufactured by Tomcat based in Gloucestershire.

He remarks,

“I believe the Bullet will certainly help me keep fit, strengthen my muscles, and allow me to lose some weight when I need to. More importantly, I also believe it will assist me with managing my mental well-being. When I feel frustrated with the everyday stresses of work and passionate interactions on social media, a ride on the Bullet will be an enjoyable and positive way to relieve that frustration.”

The Tomcat Bullet range of Low Sitting adult trikes is the greatest advance in leisure and special needs mobility cycling in 20 years. There are five models to suit every need, from pure sport and leisure, through to severe learning and mobility difficulties.

Chief engineer, Bob Griffin explains,

“We believe that there is a big hole in the provision of safe cycling for adults with various impairments, particularly when supervision or carer support is required, but there are ways we can overcome this problem. Whether the concern is a simple balance issue or a profound physical or learning difficulty, we have drawn upon our expertise with children’s cycling to develop practical solutions for adults too. In this way, we hope to enhance and prolong independence for the more able and bring new independence and freedom to the less able.”

Simon concludes that,

“The lack of support from services obliges individuals such as myself to try and self fund or hunt down alternatives if we are to maintain a better quality of life. The training for the Let’s Ride event will certainly set the wheels in motion for me to work towards a healthier lifestyle.”

ENDS.