I felt like a weight had lifted!

My name is Jenny. I’m 39 and I was diagnosed with ME, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2020. This illness impacts every part of you. Since my diagnosis my symptoms have worsened. I have significantly reduced mobility, chronic pain, difficulties with speech and mental processing.

It is not a kind illness. On my bad days I’m unable to get out of bed. In the space of 3 years, I went from an active, busy person to using mobility aids and being unable to leave the house unassisted.

Before becoming ill, I was very active. I used to enjoy cycling and just getting outdoors. Losing that part of my life has been very challenging. I was referred to social prescribing through my GP. My social prescriber told me about YBB’s Cycling Without Age Nature Rides. I was excited at the prospect of feeling the breeze again like I used to when I cycled.

I had 3 Nature Rides through the scheme and was taken to different places on each ride – Rowntree Park, the University Of York Grounds, and Hob Moor. It was wonderful. I got to meet new people and talk to others outside of my support network, which is a rarity for me now.

I felt so free during the rides. I was wrapped up in the snuggly blanket and felt like royalty being taken around all the different locations. Each ride had a special moment – from the ride around Rowntree’s Park following a squirrel, the ride across University Campus and seeing a tiny rabbit eating an apple, to the final ride to Railway Pond and watching the dragonflies and fish in the sunshine.

I am so thankful for those experiences and just wish I could do it more!

ME/CFS impacts every part of your life and has a huge impact on your mental wellbeing. Being outside, feeling the breeze, regardless of weather, with someone other than my caregiver was wonderful. I got to have this experience independently, on my own, without my husband having to be there, which is such a rarity. I really can’t describe how that feels. I felt like a weight had lifted!

I was significantly fatigued, in pain and had reduced mobility afterwards but it was worth it for the snippets of joy I held on to from the rides. I am forever grateful.

I would do the ride every week if I could. It has inspired me to try to get back to walking again. If I win the lottery I’m funding you forever!