Shine

Andy • the benefits of being active

“We have all heard the messages for many years encouraging us to be more active and healthier. But it’s not just about the physical benefits. It’s also the impact it can have on your mental wellbeing.

I wasn’t encouraged to play sport at school; this was a mixture of my parents not encouraging me and the teachers not knowing how to include me in PE lessons.

It wasn’t until my left leg was amputated that my passion for being active and particularly being outdoors was ignited. I started to play golf, a sport I always wanted to play with my brother but was unable to do. It’s a sport I continue to play now and though I’m no Tiger Woods, I enjoy the challenge golf brings and being out playing with friends and family. It’s good for my mental as well as physical health. Over the years I’ve done activities from hill walking and cycling to sitting volleyball and fencing. In the 90s I changed career from being an electrician to study sports science as a mature student, and went on to work as a sports development professional, developing opportunities for disabled people to get active.

I know first-hand the difference being active can make to a person's life.

I was never going to be a Paralympian, I just enjoy having a go, then chatting with friends over a drink, and laughing about our efforts.

Never let anyone tell you that you can't do an activity, tell them instead to ask you what you can do. There is a sport or activity out there for everyone, its just finding the thing you enjoy.

To mark forty years since I had my leg amputated, I am going to take part in a challenge to play 72 holes of golf in a day and raise money for Shine!”

Tyma • Rugby league player

What is rugby league? Where is it played?

PDRL (Physically Disabled Rugby League) is a form of Rugby League, where every player on the pitch has a disability, affecting their strength, speed, or coordination. Right now, there are 9 domestic PDRL clubs competing in the English league, and international teams representing Wales, England, Australia and New Zealand.

What do you see as the benefits/why recommend it to others?

The biggest benefit to me is being surrounded by people who are disabled, and who understand the nature of disability. PDRL lets us exercise in a safe, controlled environment.

It also lets us meet some of the very few people in the world, who live with the same disability. I don't think there's anything more meaningful than playing alongside, competing against, watching and learning from people who face the same daily challenges that you do.

Is it expensive to do?

In my experience, all you need to get started is a tracksuit, a pair of trainers, and somebody to help you travel to a training session.

What would you say to other members who might want to try this?

Check out some matches on YouTube, and see what it's all about! Almost everyone in PDRL moves around the pitch in a different way. If you see someone who looks and moves the same way you do, then chances are that they have a similar story to yours! No matter what you look like, or how you move, your local PDRL team definitely has a place for you, and can help you figure out how to get involved in Rugby.

Rafi • Frame Runner

100m European Champion and 100m World Silver Medalist

What is Frame Running?

It is a 3-wheeled running bike, and I have to propel myself forward to run in a race.

How did you get into it?

My mum found a taster session. I tried it and enjoyed it. I’d always liked running but then suffered an acquired brain injury when I was 12 years old, which led to me developing hydrocephalus. Spending 6 months in hospital and 3 months in rehab, my physical health was really impacted. I had to learn to walk again. It also affected my mental health.

What do you love about Frame Running?

The sport is brilliant for both physical and mental health. It is also a very sociable activity. I have made lots of friends.

Is it expensive to do?

It can be quite expensive to do if you want to perform at the level I do but it can be done for fun too. My first frame was lent to me by CP Sport until I was certain that I wanted to continue, and since a couple of Trust funders have supported me with new frames.

What would you say to other members who might want to try this? ‘Go for it! It has opened a lot of doors for me’.

Find out more at: https://cpsport.org/frame-running

Karl • runner

What made you start running and how long have you been running?

I started running on the treadmill at the gym - no particular reason other than to get a bit fitter and healthier. I then went to Parkrun when it started locally. One of my old school friends invited me to attend the local running club with them - and it just progressed from there!

What sort of distances do you run and how often?

I now run all sorts of distances - regular short runs and 5ks and 10Ks quite often. I have also run a fair few half marathon - including Cardiff Half TWICE for Shine!

Is there anything you need to be careful of, running with Hydrocephalus?

Just remember to stay hydrated.

What would you say to other members who might want to try this?

To anyone else that wants to give it a go - go for it - virtually all running clubs are inclusive, and you'll always find someone at the same pace as you to run with!