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The over-bed rehabilitation bike, now in use at Royal Lancaster Infirmary on its Intensive Care Unit (ICU), allows patients to begin rehab while they are still confined to bed.
The bike was officially launched by Paralympic gold medallist Stuart Robinson MBE, a wheelchair rugby player from Morecambe, who praised the new equipment.
Mr Robinson, a decorated former RAF Corporal and world champion athlete, said: “It was fantastic to launch the over‑bed bike and see it in action at the hospital.
“It’s a brilliant piece of kit that will make a real difference to patients beginning their rehab journey.”
The over-bed bike was funded through a fundraising effort by ICU staff, supported by Bay Hospitals Charity.
The team raised more than £3,000 through their ‘Rehab 500 Challenge’, a week-long walking and running event covering more than 586 miles.
Jonathan Lightfoot, a patient from Barrow, was the first to use the bike during treatment for a blood-related disease.
Mr Lightfoot said: “I found it easy to use and it was good to have a target and keep your muscles moving whilst confined to a hospital bed.”
Sarah Leadsom, advanced critical care practitioner at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, said: “The opening event was a wonderful occasion for everyone involved.
“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Stuart to officially launch our new rehabilitation bike and for Jonathan to try it out.
“The event felt really special and uplifting for the whole team.
“I would like to thank every single person who supported our fundraising, from colleagues who took part in the challenge to former patients and members of the public who donated so generously.”
Their efforts, combined with additional support from Bay Hospitals Charity, funded the £12,000 MOTOmed over-bed bike.
The team believes the bike will help patients begin their rehabilitation earlier, improving muscle strength, confidence, and overall recovery.
Ms Leadsom said: “The new over‑bed bike will make a huge difference to our patients, helping them begin rehabilitation much earlier, maintain muscle strength and confidence, and ultimately support their recovery back to independence.”
Suzanne Lofthouse, head of charity and fundraising for Bay Hospitals Charity, said: “We are proud to help provide equipment that goes over and above what the NHS can usually fund.
“Donations from our community enable us to support patients with innovative tools like the over-bed bike, improving wellbeing and recovery at a time when they need it most.”
