Wayne’s world improved after £4,500 bike challenge

By Karen Bate karen@westdorsetmag.co.uk

A Weymouth man who was left with serious injuries after a serious assault in 2021 has sown the seeds for greenhouse therapy after raising £4,500 from a gruelling cycle challenge. Inspirational Wayne Clarke lives with right-side paralysis, aphasia and personality change and cycled across Normandy, France, pedalling 270 miles in less than 35 hours using his left leg.

The money he raised will be helping people in Dorset recover from brain injuries with a new greenhouse and gym equipment.

After Wayne was assaulted, he received treatment over 10 months from Dorset HealthCare’s Acquired Brain Injury Service, which included occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychological support and speech and language therapy.

Occupational therapist

Jennifer Peak said: “We are over the moon that Wayne thought of us when donating some of the funds he raised. We run a weekly allotment gardening group for patients in the east of the county, overseen by an assistant rehabilitation practitioner and volunteer. “And the greenhouse now means that patients are no longer restricted in what and when they can start growing. With shelves inside, it will also enable the involvement of those patients with physical limitations and dizziness. “There are many therapeutic benefits to gardening, and our group focuses on addressing patients’ work stamina, mobility, balance, fatigue levels, concentration and general wellbeing.”

Along with the greenhouse, the gym equipment Wayne kindly donated is already in use and making a big difference to the recovery of patients with brain injuries across Dorset. Jennifer said: “Many people require aids and pieces of equipment to help with movement and increase their physical activity. The donated pieces of exercise equipment such as gym balls and balance boards can be used by patients who experience a variety of difficulties.

“Overcoming physical challenges is something that Wayne has experienced, so it is fitting that his donation is supporting the physical wellbeing of others. Not only is his donation hugely beneficial but his achievement of cycling so many miles is also an inspiration to us all.”