Richard and Parkwood Springs

Background

Richard lives close to Lincoln, with his wife and family. Richard has a degree in Geography and has built a 35 yr career in logistics, working in a wide range of roles from operations to business development, project delivery, and general management. 

In 1998, Richard’s life changed dramatically when he broke his back in a sports car accident, resulting in paralysis from the chest down (T5/6). A full-time wheelchair user since then, he discovered handcycling during a Back Up multi-activity course, a discovery that would later become central to his wellbeing. 

Interests and Personal Life 

Richard says: 

“I love something that challenges me, it doesn’t matter what it is, but it’s great if it’s a physical challenge.” 

He is most at home in the outdoors, especially in mountainous areas. Before his accident, he enjoyed canoeing, mountaineering, and rowing. He has been a keen hand cyclist since 2000, riding mainly for leisure but with a period of competitive involvement several years ago. 

His interests now span an impressive range: 

• – Handcycling and outdoor adventure 

• – Environmental sustainability (despite being a self-described petrol head!) 

• – Running a local men’s support group that uses “fire pit therapy” 

• – Mentoring newly spinal cord–injured people through Back Up 

• – Mentoring teachers in schools via the Teach First charity 

• – Allotment gardening 

• – Cooking 

• – Craft cider-making with close friends 

Connecting with Sheffield Cycling 4 All 

Richard was introduced to Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) by Jack Sims from Adaptive Sports, who suggested we might have a Maddiline handcycle suitable for him. Looking for a new handcycle at the time, Richard decided to visit. He came to Parkwood Springs to join the Inclusive Trail Cycling Session and try out the hand cycle. He then borrowed the trike as part of SC4A’s Cycle Loan Scheme. 

“I have been blown away by the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone I have come into contact with at SC4A. Joe and Tom being great examples. So helpful and easy to work with. It was brilliant that after a ride with Tom and a couple of others around the local park in Sheffield that I was trusted to borrow a bike that is worth thousands to test ride it at home over a weekend , and then take it again on another weekend to Kielder in Northumberland. This generosity has really helped me understand if that bike will work for me.” 

Richard has since secured a place in the 2026 Dirty Reiver, a major off-road cycling event. He is chuffed that SC4A has offered him the use of the same bike for the event—and proud to represent us by wearing our logo during the ride. 

Impact of Cycling and SC4A 

For Richard, cycling is far more than a hobby: 

“Honestly – cycling is my therapy – my escape. I knew this was the case from when I first sat on a hand bike a year or so after my accident. 

Using a wheelchair full time can be a real challenge at times – not just physically, but mentally. However – no matter the weather (in fact sometimes, the worse the weather the better) – when I’m on my bike it’s a release for me, a re-set somehow.  On top of that it’s played a big hand in keeping me healthy (physically and mentally) over the last 27 years since my accident.” 

Richard plans to keep cycling “until I can’t anymore.” 

An account of Richard’s first visit to Parkwood Springs

“I met with SC4A on 02/09/25 to ride their Maddeline RaceX E handcycle. It was a glorious warm day. Once we adjusted the handcycle for me, a group of four of us cycled round Parkwood Springs. As soon as you cycle away from the main flat area by the bike containers you are in what appears to be post industrial landscape in places and in others a former grand house country park now with wilder vegetation that has taken a secure hold. It has a feeling of being managed but also with elements of rewilding.

The trails are a mixture of hardcore and dirt. They were dry, and as we rode we kicked up dust that coated the bikes and us. Every time we stopped we were surrounded by bees and flying insects. We disturbed the odd bird when we rode through the patches of woodland especially at the edge of a housing estate. There is a decaying sculpture representation of an eagle at one of the vantage points we stopped at. The hedgerows and brambles had the unmistakable evidence of rabbits, interspersed with concrete areas festooned with graffiti. The view was amazing. On such a bright warm day this place was intoxicating –  in a good refreshing revitalising way.  

We rode round the park several times. I could have done this several times more, but the session had to end as another group would be needing the bikes after lunch. I really enjoyed that ride.”