Monthly Archives: January 2023

With the new year upon us, we decided what better way to celebrate our amazing Bike the UK for MS alumni than to dedicate our “Shine the Light” monthly section onto those that inspire us most! To start this off, we couldn’t think of anymore better than Teresa Attwood and Linda Bussey. In this blog, Linda has shared an insight into her’s and Terri’s lives, particularly life after an MS diagnosis, riding with MS and how Bike the UK for MS and the MS Society has helped them.

January Highlight – Teresa and Linda

Terri and Linda swapped the ultra-busy Peak District for Cumbria’s peaceful Eden Valley 10 years ago. The Eden Valley is a hidden gem and offered blissfully quiet rural cycling lanes and the wilderness of the Northern Pennines to explore on foot, right on their doorstep. It seemed they’d truly found their Eden.

   Just four years later, Terri was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS. A ‘lazy’ right foot initiated a trip to the local GP, who sent her for a series of tests and scans. The scans showed lesions in her spine and brain, consistent with multiple sclerosis. It was a devastating diagnosis for them both, threatening their active lifestyle.

 On the recommendation of an MS nurse, Terri joined the local East Cumbria Group of the MS Society. They offered weekly exercise classes, coffee mornings, and other social gatherings. Everyone in the Group lives with MS: all are at different stages of their MS journey. The group is a tremendous source of support. Terri and Linda quickly signed up as volunteers, and soon become firm friends with many of the gang.

   Three years ago, Terri became the local Group coordinator. Amongst a host of other co-ordinating activities, she produces the Group’s quarterly newsletter. She has also become involved with the Society at National level, to help give a voice to people with MS on the ground.

   Meanwhile, they still manage to cycle and walk most weekends. Last year, they purchased an electric-assist tandem (known as Lill-e). This has been a game-changer for riding with MS, allowing them to continue to cycle together and get away for long weekends with friends…and ride the Sea to Sea last summer!

Why did you want to ride Sea to Sea for MS last summer?

“Because it looked like fun and the routes looked amazing! The East Cumbria Group is a massive supporter of Bike the UK for MS and has been enthusiastic to meet riders on the Sea to Sea and Land’s End to John O’Groats. As keen cyclists ourselves, we were drawn to the excitement of seeing riders completing long days in the saddle, and were impressed by the incredible camaraderie among the team and riders. We rode the C2C together in August, and then 10 days later I did the North Coast 500 on a solo bike. Between us, we managed to raise over £2,800. We were happy to know that a good chunk of that would come back to the Group, the rest going to fund research to help find a cure for MS”

What training did you do before cycling across the country for MS?

“We just got out on Lill-e as much as we could, usually riding 30-50 mile days at weekends. We also did a few long weekends away, generally involving bigger rides, including cycling from home out to Scotland, and forays into Northumberland, staying at different B&Bs each night. I was also getting out as much as possible on my solo bike, seeking out the most challenging local hills”.

What is your go-to on the bike snack?

“We’re a bit ‘old school’, and generally carry a thermos of hot chocolate. We normally enjoy this with homemade oaty biscuits, flapjack, or energy bars”.

What is your favourite memory from the ride?

Sea to Sea: “it was being cheered on by friends who’d come to meet us at the top of Hartside – they certainly helped us to romp up the final summit. The scenery was stunning as we rode across the Northern Pennines in rare moments of sunshine. Completing the C2C with our friends from Edinburgh (who started as our sponsors and then became participants) was very special.

On the North Coast 500, it was climbing Bealach na Ba, the incredible view and descent off the top. And the people – what a great bunch!”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to prospective riders?

“Enjoy the ride, take time to take in the views, and remember it’s not a race”.

How does Bike the UK for MS benefit you and the East Cumbria MS Group?

“The East Cumbria Group funds a number of activities and events throughout the year. These include weekly exercise classes and monthly coffee mornings, where people with MS can meet and chat in relaxed settings. Last year, we took out group membership at Watchtree Wheelers (a charity near Carlisle that runs a cycling facility for the disabled). We then funded a couple of trips out to the Nature Reserve. Everyone enjoyed trying out the range of different bikes on the traffic-free track, and just got an immense buzz from exercising outside in the fresh air. It was great to show you can continue riding with MS.

This year, we’re also funding a weekend of adventure activities at Calvert Trust Keswick. Having a disability doesn’t stop people with multiple sclerosis from pushing their boundaries. They need to be given the opportunity to try something different in an inclusive and safe environment. The support of BTUKFMS helps us to give people with MS those opportunities”.