As part of the collaboration, designed to enable patients with life-changing illness and injuries to discover a new sport and benefit their recovery journey, ICE Trikes has gifted three hand cycles and three adaptive trikes exclusively for patient use at the NRC. In addition, a dedicated British Cycling Rehabilitation Coach will be based at the centre, funded by the Peter Harrison Foundation and with the support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
Part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), the NRC is a 70-bed, state-of-the-art specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced a life-changing illness or injury. It is situated on 365-acre rural estate where it will share facilities with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), including a bespoke accessible cycle track through a forest area of the estate.
Patients will be able to use the gifted hand cycles and trikes throughout the estate, including on a bespoke accessible cycle track that winds through woodland areas of the site. Cycling will form part of patients’ tailored rehabilitation programmes during their stay, which typically ranges from two weeks to three months.
Sandy Walsh, NRC head of operations, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with British Cycling and ICE Trikes and are very grateful for the generous gifts from both companies and the Peter Harrison Foundation, with the support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Without these organisations coming together, this opportunity would not be possible.
“By working with British Cycling and ICE Trikes, we will be able to offer our patients the chance to experience freedom, confidence, and enjoyment through accessible cycling, often at a point in their lives when they are rebuilding both physically and emotionally.
“The hand-cycles and trikes will play a vital role in supporting rehabilitation, helping patients to improve strength, mobility and wellbeing in a way that feels motivating and empowering. Just as importantly, this collaboration opens the door to life beyond the NRC – enabling people to discover a sport they can continue in their own communities, and in some cases even pursue competitively.
“We’re excited about the long-term impact this collaboration will have, not only on recovery outcomes but on inspiring patients to reimagine what’s possible for their future at what is likely to be one of the toughest times they will face in their lives.”