Rebekah Evans, 39, doesn’t feel out of place in her spinning classes at Better Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff.
Despite being paraplegic and using a handcycle rather than a standard bike, she works out like everyone else.
“As a wheelchair user, I know how important it is to get fit and lose weight,” she said. “Being hospitalised recently for sepsis gave me the wake up call I needed.
“An in-growing toenail had developed into cellulitis and very bad infection. Being on intravenous antibiotics for eight days made me realise my body wasn’t sufficiently resilient and I had to get healthier.”
It was 2010 when an accident changed Becky’s life.
“I was in my second year as a student nurse and was driving to work for a shift when I lost control of the car. The next thing I knew I was in hospital with serious injuries.”
Despite losing the use of her legs, Becky is a positive, cheerful woman who looks forward, not back.
“When I first started using my chair, I played para table tennis for Wales and was generally fit and healthy. Then I became less active and ballooned to fifteen stone.”
Becky’s new regime has changed all that. Following her 67-year-old mum’s example, she now visits the leisure centre most days to swim or take part in classes that include spinning and body conditioning.
“I’m 12 stone now and feel so much more energetic and in control. That’s important because I’ve got an eight-year-old daughter, two dogs and a husband of fourteen years who tells me I look young again.
“The leisure centre team, led by manager Nikki Lewis, are genuinely brilliant and everyone I work out with is approachable and helpful. I don’t feel awkward in a class full of able-bodied people and really appreciate the effort that goes into making sure what I do is right for me and my limitations.
“The transformation is amazing, and I can’t thank Nikki and her colleagues enough.”
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs Eastern Leisure Centre and seven other leisure and community centres in Cardiff.
“Becky is an inspiration to all of us,” said Ann Hillman, GLL’s Community, Health and Sport Manager.
“She’s made remarkable progress since joining Eastern Leisure and shows just what can be achieved.
“No matter what your disability or health issue, moving more will help.”