We love cycles and we love people’s cycle stories. Our Staff and Trustees share our passion, and we wanted to share it with you too! Our Cycle Stories is a new blog series devoted to introducing you to our wonderful team, and the diverse and varied ways that cycling has become an enriching part of their lives.

What is your name, and what do you do at Wheels for Wellbeing?

My name is Jen Carmo, and as the Central Operations Manager at Wheels for Wellbeing, my primary responsibility is to oversee the crucial operational facets of the organisation. I ensure that our services are delivered efficiently and effectively while adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines. My role is pivotal in maintaining the smooth central functioning of the charity, enabling us to better serve our beneficiaries and achieve our organisational goals.

What has been your career trajectory; how did you come to end up working at WfW?

Before I began my journey in charity work, I focused on managing key accounts for prominent clients in the UK and Spain for a big printing company. However, I always had a desire to move away from the corporate environment. This led me to start volunteering for various charities, and I quickly became passionate about it! At one point, I was volunteering for five different organisations simultaneously, and over the years, I’ve contributed to more than twenty charitable projects, continuing to hold volunteer roles to this day. My dedication to volunteering opened the door to a paid position, and I haven’t looked back since. Now, I have accumulated 14 years + of experience in charity work, specialising in operations and have been involved in all aspects of charity’ management.

I discovered Wheels for Wellbeing while searching for a part-time role to complement my other job, and I was immediately drawn to our shared missions and values, especially since cycling is such an important part of my life. 

Do you use a cycle? What/how/where?

Cycling is my primary way of getting around. I suffer from significant motion sickness, so taking a train or bus is usually my last option, and I only do it with anti-nausea medication; due to my epilepsy I also feel very ill in very crowded spaces with poor fresh air circulation, bright lights and strong smells, which prompt me sometimes to abruptly exit the tube to not induce seizures, so as you can imagine public transport always brings me some level of anxiety…

I also live in the countryside, which is notorious for having unreliable or non-existent methods of transportation in some areas. If it wasn’t for my cycle I would definitely be stranded and dependable on sporadic buses with reduced hours or reliant on cabs which can be extremely expensive.

Riding my bike allows me to enjoy the outdoors and feel good while also giving me the flexibility to plan my trips, save money and trust that I can arrive on time. Additionally, I have a passion for mountain biking and have explored various trails across the UK, making it one of my favourite pastimes.

What does cycling mean to you, and your overall wellbeing?

Cycling is incredibly important to me! As someone with epilepsy, I’ve learned to tune into my body over the years, enabling me to live life without being held back by fear.

I’ve found that the more I exercise, the fewer difficult days I experience. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to regular workouts, and cycling is a key part of that routine. It allows me to move with ease, and I absolutely love hitting the trails for an intense ride! Thanks to my commitment to finding balance in my life, I’ve been seizure-free for several years now, which is a significant milestone! Cycling truly means the world to me; it empowers me and gives me a sense of freedom.

Do you have a favourite session, route, or adventure?

So far, my favourite adventure was doing the Whinlatter Forest, Lake District mountain bike trail. However, I have visited and cycled around 50 towns/small cities in the UK, so it is hard to pick only one!

Is there anything that you think WfW does better than anyone else?

I wholeheartedly believe that our work at Weels for Wellbeing positions us as facilitators. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the challenges and obstacles we encounter. However, our strength lies in our commitment to solution-oriented thinking. Instead of dwelling on what can’t be done, we actively seek creative and innovative ways to make cycling accessible and inclusive for everyone. It’s this proactive approach, this focus on possibilities, that fuels my passion for being a part of WfW.

If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change in #ActiveTravel #InclusiveCycling to benefit Disabled people, their mobility, and their wellbeing?

I would provide everyone with the opportunity to experience the challenges of travelling with a disability for a day. Significant societal transformation can ignite when the broader community, including individuals who may not be directly impacted by specific issues, comes together to understand and advocate for necessary changes. Communities that prioritise equity and collaborate to enhance and redefine travel for the advantage of everyone.

Thank you for sharing your Cycle Story with us, Jen!