MSG donates e-trike to para-athlete Sophie
A LOCAL para-athlete has been given the chance to get back into the British squad with help from the Medical Specialist Group.
Sophie Veron has been donated an e-trike by the MSG to help her in her goal to rejoin the British Paracycling Development squad and racing in national events.
‘I’m delighted to have this trike which has given me freedom to get back on the road and experience again the feeling of turning the pedals,’ she said.
‘It’s started me thinking of all the things I’d like to do, and I’ve already got my sights set on the Guernsey’s Big Triathlon Party in September.’
Ms Veron has coordination and balance issues, which are due to the neurological condition hydrocephalus which she was diagnosed with in her teens, a few years after undergoing spinal surgery for scoliosis.
Since then, she has undergone numerous brain surgeries and has suffered from chronic fatigue.
Four years ago she took part in her first triathlon in Guernsey using a trike, and has also tricycled 240 miles from London to Paris to raise money for charity, as well as completing the virtual London Marathon while using a racing wheel chair.
Last year she began her journey with the British Paracycling Development squad, getting to the final 18 out of 1,000 applicants, but health issues have recently stunted her progress and she has been unable to train with the squad.
After trying out the e-trike at a Health Commission and Ian Brown’s inclusive cycling event in April, she realised it was what she needed to help her achieve the level of fitness required to rejoin the British squad.
‘Sophie is an inspirational and determined young woman who has already achieved so much, despite everything that has been thrown at her.
‘When we heard about her story, we were keen to contribute to help her regain her fitness and achieve her dreams,’ said MSG chief executive Jon Buckland.
