Two Oxford Health physiotherapists are getting on their bikes for a 200-mile fundraising ride that will help older patients being cared for on the Fulbrook Centre’s mental health wards get active.

Physiotherapy instructors Martin Bulter and Sarah Strawson are hoping friends and colleagues will ‘dig deep’ to sponsor them on their static ride, which they plan to tackle on Friday, December 6.

So far, they’ve already had £355 in pledges that will go towards raising the £1,200 needed to buy a treadmill that will enable older patients access exercise.

Following on from a successful bid to the Oxford Health Charity earlier in the year, a £3,500 grant enabled them to buy a static bike, a step machine and rowing equipment (as modelled by Sarah below)

But the ability to get someone taking a small step into exercise through using a treadmill was proving difficult with existing equipment.

Martin and Sarah will be using their own static bikes to power through over 200 miles to raise enough money to purchase a new treadmill better designed for the patients they are aiming to help.

Martin said: "Exercise is key to recovery in mental health. Along with other Fulbrook staff input, we hope to raise the enough to give the patients what they need to help them recover whilst on their admission to hospital.

"Exercise can and is a known factor to benefit many mental health disorders, and can improve the lives of those who take part. Being admitted to hospital is never nice, and that is why we feel that our input into the patients' lives is so important."

He added: "So, please help us raise the funds to give our amazing patients the much needed opportunity to benefit from using our fantastic services."

You can find out how their training is going and donate through their Just Giving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-butler8

The importance of both physical and mental wellbeing is an ongoing theme in Oxford Health Charity appeals and projects - with the results having a significant impact on the experience of those receiving care from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.