'Against the odds' father is cycling winner
A father of two who 12 years ago was given just two weeks to live has become a champion of the healthy benefits of cycling.
Simon Freck, who lives in Keresley in Warwickshire, is now aged 41, and living a healthy life with his young family.
Twelve years ago Simon’s world was rocked when he was diagnosed in November 1994 with an often-fatal disease ‘myeloid leukaemia’ and he was given just two weeks to live.
With a new four-week-old baby girl and two year old son, Simon’s wife Amelia brought Christmas forward, expecting to lose her husband before the end of the year.
However, Simon’s fighting spirit came to the fore and for the next seven months he battled the disease in hospital, dropping from 13 stone in weight to just 8.5 stone.
But his battle was a success, the disease went into remission and Simon started rebuilding his life.
He said: “I was furious when it happened, I didn’t drink or smoke, lived a healthy life, and thought ‘why should it happen to me’? Recovering I was determined to build my strength again and keep as fit as I could. I’d never driven a car and decided I wasn’t about to start, so cycled everywhere.
“No matter what time of year it was I’d cycle to work, 15 miles a day to Peugeot at Ryton. I’m convinced my positive frame of mind was helped by my efforts to keep fit, and cycling has become very important to me.”
Simon was made redundant from Peugeot earlier this year, but has since started work with a new company much nearer his home. However, Simon has devised a ‘long route’ to his place of employment to enable him to keep fit through cycling.
And therefore it was a huge delight for Simon when he was informed he’d won the Warwickshire County Council TravelWise competition.
Run in conjunction with the recent Warwick Cycle Races, Hinckley Cycling Centre kindly donated a £500 Claud Butler racing bike, complete with alloy frame, carbon fibre forks, STI levers and 16 speed gears.
Of more than 2,000 people who entered, Simon was drawn at random and is delighted to receive the prize.
He said: “First of all when I heard I’d won I thought it could do for my son, but having seen just how wonderful the bike is I think I’ll be hanging on to it for special occasions.”
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “Simon’s story truly is an extraordinary tale of courage, and what a great winner for the competition.
“Cycling is a great way to get fit, commute and generally enjoy the glorious Warwickshire countryside.”
For more information on cycling opportunities in Warwickshire and other green travel options visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/travelwise