“You can see her beaming”: The impact of GTCT support for Seirian

It’s been almost a year since Cyclists Fighting Cancer provided a trike to Seirian courtesy of Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust funding.

In that time, Seirian has finished chemotherapy and is slowly getting stronger and stronger; and her trike has played a key role.

“Seirian works with her Physio to build core and muscle strength through targeted exercises and hydrotherapy,” Seirian’s mum told us. “A huge part of that is her getting out and about on her trike; it allows her to exercise her legs and have great fun at the same time.”

The trike rides have been of huge benefit to Seirian, with her dad increasingly noticing how he doesn’t have to assist as much.

“We can see an improvement,” her mum continued. “She’s using her wheelchair and crutches less; her improved stamina, core and leg strength are in part due to riding her trike and her commitment to her physio and exercises.

“No longer does Seirian sit indoors at school playtime, she’s running in the yard and joining in with as much physical activity as she can. She’s also now built up to five mornings a week in school and in preparation for high school that will get better!”

The GTCT is delighted to have been able to play a part in providing this life-changing experience to Seirian, and strives to enable as many young people as possible to participate in cycling in whichever way possible.

“The trike itself is fab,” Seirian’s mum stated, “it’s so easy to adjust, which we’ve had to do twice since chemo stopped because growth spurts are happening fast! The backrest means support and comfort, and we easily adjust it depending on how Seirian’s back pain feels on the day.

“This lovely trike puts a beautiful smile on Seirian’s face every single time she’s on it. Dad and I are getting a dab hand at separating it for car journeys as it has to come with us!”

And Seirian’s evident passion for her trike is turning tangible results, with her recently passing her Level 2 Cycling Proficiency in school.

“It was three days of training and she loved it!

“We cannot thank you enough for funding the trike,” Seirian’s mum concluded. “It’s clearly having a positive impact on Seirian both physically and mentally; you can see her beaming!”

We are thrilled to have been able to provide this support, and are so pleased to see Seirian developing in such a positive way!