So this was it the moment has come.

I was so excited as I’d been working towards this from day one.

The kids were so eager to set off

Cycle helmets on drink and grub in their backpacks to scoff.

I looked at my handtrike and had a little scare

It’s so low to the ground how the ekkers can I get down there?!

One hand on the fence the other on hubby

I squatted legs a kimbo and lowered down slowly.

Already knackered I’d had enough for that day

But I also wanted to get my ventilator on to help me to breath so we could go have a play.

All straps and tubes connected, so we set off to go

The happiness I felt inside was incredible, immeasurable it would overflow.

It was real tricky at first as it was so weird to steer.

Oh and bloody hell I’m never going to understand what is going on with those gears.

I felt free ,yes me ,free don’t you see.

Not being pushed or using battery power it was me .

I was in control . I was steering and going fast

I was doing an activity with my children at last.

Joining in like a normal mum,

Not feeling like I stick out like a sore thumb.

Most of all we were having lots of fun.

Joanne Quinnell

I got ill 7/8 years ago after having my last baby. At first I was put on oxycontin a strong painkiller and was like a zombie for years I got off it and am now trying to regain some physical strength. I know my illness won’t disappear but it’s not having all of me. I was lucky to have a doctor that tried different medication with me which helped. I’m plodding on . I go to the gym . I love it . It’s like rehabilitation but it’s great to be active again. Don’t be frightened to try new things, have a go . It took me 5 months to get strong enough to ride a handbike . But better than sitting in a chair for 6 years. That was the first time I’d ridden a bike with the younger kids. I felt normal it was nice.

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