This entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2014at 11:05 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Lynn’s Love Of Sport And Exercise Keeps Her Active

After a serious virus left her in a wheelchair, grandmother of three Lynn was determined to maintain her love of sport and exercise so that she could continue caring for her husband.

Lynn Chantrey, a volunteer with Lincolnshire Police Force, is an amazing woman whose lifelong commitment to sport has inspired her to continue with her passion, despite being in constant pain and in a wheelchair.

Lynn said: “I have been in a wheelchair for 4 years. I had a virus, thought I had got flu, but it affected my central nervous system and caused constant pain in my lower legs and feet so I cannot walk any more.

“It was difficult, but three years before that my husband Roy was in a serious motorbike accident and was in a coma. He had to learn to walk, talk and feed himself again. I was his carer and had to be strong for him as well. We have a saying in our house that we have no problems, only solutions.”

The 55-year-old has always been active, she taught karate and horse riding for many years and has a love for motorbikes.

Lynn added: “I am a big motorbike fan and have ridden them for years. When I was first in the wheelchair I was determined to ride again and I have. I now ride a Honda 1100cc trike and my wheelchair locks on to the back.

“I decided that I was going to have a go at everything that I had ever wanted to do. I was a riding instructor by trade and I have gone back to riding. I cannot use stirrups or anything, but I have found my own way and it works. I have also taken up carriage driving and gone scuba diving – which I loved.

“Life is too short. If there’s something you want to do you should do it.”

Since joining Active Nation’s Yarborough Leisure Centre, not only has Lynn given up smoking, but she has also signed up for Zumba classes and is a regular in the gym clocking up 50km every week on the hand cycle alone. She was inspired to join a wheelchair basketball club after taking part in a local competition with the Active Nation team at Yarborough Leisure Centre.

Lynn also has a mini-triathlon in her sights and is already training hard for the latest challenge in her life. She added: “My message to anyone else in a wheelchair is do not sit at home and think you can’t do something, because there is always a way.

“Come to Active Nation! At Yarborough Leisure Centre the wheelchair facilities are good and the personal trainers are brilliant. They will work out what is right for you to do.

“There is a lot of variety. You can join a class – even if you’re in a wheelchair you can just do the upper body movements. There is also a hoist to help you in the pool.

“It’s all about the taking part in a social environment. You get to meet so many people. I am a big ambassador for helping disabled people to do sport.”

If you are disabled and want to know how we can help you to get active, get in touch with your local Active Nation venue today so that we can have a chat and work out what is best for you.