Gosport amputee hopes to raise cash to buy e-bikes for centres across the UK to help others

Dedicated Derek Cassie, who had his right leg amputated after a military operation, raised £500 to buy an electric bike for the Portsmouth Enablement Centre at St Mary’s Hospital – through a fundraising page and cake sales – and is now looking to raise as much money as possible for enablement centres nationwide.

The e-bikes will be used by other amputees build their confidence in cycling.

64-year-old Derek undertook sessions with physiotherapists at PEC and worked hard with one goal in mind - to cycle along Alverstoke sea front with his wife and daughter after 12 years of relying on a wheelchair and mobility scooter.

Derek said: ‘My physiotherapist was a great motivator. After using the practice leg during a few sessions, I was given my first hydraulic leg to take home and use. The feeling of the most basic acts such as walking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea on my own was life changing.’

During his physiotherapy sessions, Derek was introduced to a static bike but was disheartened at the struggle. After returning home, he was determined not to let his fear get in the way of his journey and started researching e-bike options. Once he gave the e-bike a try, there was no turning back.

‘It gave me the reassurance and confidence to ride a bike,’ he said.

‘I hope it will show other amputees that riding a bike is not an impossible task for them. I want to motivate others and give more amputees the tools to see that this is something they can do with their friends and family.

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‘Without the PEC and the fantastic team of physiotherapists, prosthetic technicians and admin staff, I would still be going on bike rides with my family on a mobility scooter. They gave me support, encouragement and belief in myself. I now have my own e-bike and go on regular bike rides with my family.

‘The PEC gave me back a part of my life I thought I had lost forever.’

To donate to Derek’s cause visit crowdfunder.co.uk/ebikes-for-amputees.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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