How cycling helped Sheila recover from cancer treatment

Sheila Southgate, now 58, was looking for something different to do during the day after she moved from Ipswich to Trimley, near Felixstowe. She had been battling long-term sickness and was downsizing from a flat because of mobility issues after battling endometrial cancer. 

First diagnosed in 2021, Sheila had surgery followed by months of chemo and radiotherapy, all of which was “very gruelling”.

Chemo and radiotherapy definitely takes everything out of you during treatment and continues long after it’s finished Sheila Southgate

While recovering from treatment, Sheila wasn’t working but didn’t just want to sit still – she was hoping to explore her new neighbourhood and beyond a little bit more, as well as rebuild her strength and fitness.

Luckily, she found the Facebook page for Pedal Felixstowe Community Cycling Club, which is affiliated with Cycling UK. Initially, she joined on her own, but ended up persuading a friend, Graham, to tag along. The two had met each other from a MacMillan group, and were both recovering from cancer.

“It’s taken a lot longer than expected to get back to my original fitness and feel cycling is definitely helping, albeit an electric bike,” Sheila says.

Sheila had cycled before and had a conventional folding bike which was regularly slung in the back of a car to ride around Alton Water, when she used to work in Manningtree. But due to her illness, she felt she needed an extra boost to be able to get around more, so feeling inspired by the cycling club, she bought a folding electric bike.

“It’s effortless. At least I have the option of using electric assist if I’m getting tired or my hips are aching,” she says.

Joining the Community Cycle Club has transformed the way Sheila feels about cycling now, and riding in a group has given her spirit a boost: “It’s made it so much more enjoyable. I’m now going to places I wouldn’t have gone on my own. It’s so nice going in a group and talking to different people while on our bikes.”

Sheila goes on to state that cycling has had many other benefits: “Getting back on a bike has been great for building on my self-esteem and giving me the ability and control to explore locally, although I prefer warm weather cycling,” she says, adding “cake and coffee are always a bonus!”

It’s improved my general confidence, and my health too – I feel fitter. It’s also improved my wellbeing and made my life happier. I feel like it’s given me the incentive to get out and do something

One of Sheila’s favourite places to go cycling are little countryside backroads going to Felixstowe Ferry, a ride she recently did together with Graham.

Cycling with the club has changed my perspective on things. I always used to go out on my own, but it’s lovely to chat. It’s definitely improved my social life as well

“I also feel safer in a group and there’s a greater sense of security.”

Sheila loves discovering random cafés now she’s cycling for longer due to the boost from the group and also her electric bike. She’s able to go further, to places like Rendlesham Forest, and on cycle paths round the back of Trimley and down to the port – places that would be too far to walk.

While Sheila still does the school run for her granddaughter (14) in a car, she has ambitions to get her cycling too, and makes sure that she gets out on the bike at least once a week herself – with the club of course.

My friend Graham knows all the shortcuts and alleyways that keep us off the road. I like discovering new lanes and going: ‘Let’s go down here and see where it goes!’

Sheila looks forward to doing a lot more cycling with the club. “I think it’s a great social gathering – not too many people, it’s just right.”

Ultimately, Sheila’s perspective on cycling has changed since she joined the club. “I feel important when I ring the bell and people get out of the way,” Sheila says with a smile. “I used to find it annoying when I was walking round Alton Water and cyclists rang their bells. Now I love the sound!”

Sheila talks about how the structured rides with Pedal Felixstowe, or more casual ones with friends, is such a great way to de-stress: “Even just resetting your headspace. I wish I’d have moved sooner and rediscovered the joy of cycling!”

She wholeheartedly recommends joining a cycling group to anyone that might be going through a similar journey: “You’ll be surprised what’s out there and the support that’s available.

Cycling just makes you feel good. Getting the fresh air on your face is like nothing else. It’s a great healer for mind and body – just go at your own pace and enjoy!