Deborah Willeman

Deborah Willeman is a project manager for CTUK; one of her projects is Positive Spin, helping people with dementia start or return to cycling. Another is Ride Side by Side, a free cycle taxi service in Hackney for older people or people with mobility problems who actively want to get somewhere, whether that’s to the hospital, to see friends, go to the park or just to get and about in the local area.

Deborah says, “I love my job because it is a way of showing people you do not have to be young and fit to be able to cycle. Positive Spin is a session aimed at helping people with dementia and their carers to regain a bit of their lost freedom. Project managing such sessions is not easy, but seeing the smiles in these people’s faces when they realise they can get about on an adapted bike is priceless.”

In her spare time, Deborah also runs an all-inclusive cycling group for families and elderly people om Bruce Castle Park in Tottenham on Sunday mornings. She also loves cycling with her children.

Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling is an annual list celebrating inspirational women who are encouraging others to take part in this wonderful and life-enhancing activity.