Volunteer Stories – Janet
This is Janet, one of our new bike maintenance volunteers. Janet only started cycling in 2017 and since then has completed many cycling challenges, including the NC500 in 2019, solo, unsupported and during Hurricane Dorian!
In June, she and fellow Belles on Bikes Ride Leader, Isabel, completed the 185 mile Hebridean Way in 6 days enduring awful weather and only a couple of weeks later she completed another 100 mile challenge with the Fife & Kinross CTC group. This is a marvelous accomplishment in itself but even more so for Janet as she lives with early onset Parkinson’s Disease, a neurological condition which affects how you move, think and feel. She was diagnosed, aged 46, in 2016.
All these remarkable achievements are post Parkinson’s so as you can see she’s one determined lady. Made even more apparent when she’s trying to remove seized on pedals at Lang Toun Cycles! As Janet says, ‘my right side doesn’t work properly but I just adapt and establish new ways if doing things.’
She finds walking challenging so cycling has opened up her world. She says, ‘It gives me independence, freedom and I get to go fast.’ Her resilience and energy know no bounds. I first met Janet at Pedal for Parkinson’s in Stirling a few years back and she informs me that she’s signed up for the 50 mile route this year. This year’s Pedal for Parkinson’s Sportive is being held on Sunday 21 August: https://bit.ly/3J6t7NiI.
Janet’s enthusiasm and happy demeanor are an inspiration to all. I know she has been active in the Parkinson’s campaign and has raised funds through her cycling and raised awareness through giving talks. Greener Kirkcaldy are delighted to have Janet on the team.
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