South Wales woman cycles 300km in 3 days – 11 years after paralysis
In 2014, Amanda Harris from Meisgyn was paralysed from the chest down after a cycling accident resulted in a spinal cord injury.
Eleven years after her accident, and with the use of only one fully functioning leg, she has cycled approximately 300km over three days through Northern Italy in aid of Spinal Injuries Association.
While riding a traditional bike is no longer possible for Amanda, her love of cycling continues.
Using a recumbent ICE Trike, Amanda has taken on several cycle events to fundraise for various charities. The trike is designed to offer core and lumbar support, allowing Amanda to return to the sport she loves.
Amanda’s latest challenge was in aid of Spinal Injuries Association, a national charity that supports people with spinal cord injuries through counselling, community groups, clinical advice, advocacy, campaigning, and peer support.
Spinal Injuries Association established their overseas cycle event in 2014, in the same year as Amanda’s injury.
This year saw participants both with and without spinal cord injuries cycle an average of over 100km a day for three days from Venice to Bologna.
Despite the difficult journey, Amanda remained optimistic, saying: “I do love a challenge, especially one which can make a difference to others who have sustained life changing injuries.”
A keen charity fundraiser, Amanda has been passionate about supporting the Spinal Injuries Association.
She said: “Simple tasks we often take for granted – getting dressed, making a cup of tea, or even hugging a loved one – become monumental challenges.
“By supporting the Spinal Injuries Association, you’re helping us provide life-changing services, from expert advice and peer support to campaigning for better care and opportunities.
“You’re giving people their independence back.”
Amanda added: “I am so pleased to have completed the SIA Overseas Cycle challenge in beautiful Italy.
“It was a truly memorable experience which I shared with the most incredible team of riders, mechanics and organisers who helped me through the route with patience, encouragement and good humour.
“When I suffered my life changing injury 11 years ago, and lying in a hospital bed for months on end, I never would have dreamed a ride like this would have been possible again and it’s thanks to the SIA that I have been able to achieve it.”
Find out more about the Spinal Injuries Association at spinal.co.uk
