New Rehabilitation Bike Transforms Stroke Recovery at Leighton Hospital

Stroke patients at Leighton Hospital are experiencing life-changing progress in their recovery thanks to a new Motomed rehabilitation bike.

This is funded through the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, with the support of the hospital’s dedicated stroke rehabilitation team.

In July 2024, members of the stroke rehabilitation team completed a 24-hour cycle ride to raise funds for the specialist equipment, with every pedal turn driven by their passion to enhance care for their patients. The funds raised, alongside support from Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, made it possible to purchase the Motomed — which arrived on the ward earlier this year.    

Since then, the new equipment has had a remarkable impact on patient rehabilitation. The Motomed allows stroke survivors to begin gentle exercise earlier in their recovery, even when movement is limited. It helps rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence — enabling patients to take small but significant steps toward regaining independence.

Danny Pepper, Therapy Assistant said:

“The Motomed has already made a huge difference to our patients,”

Patients have also shared their experience using the equipment:

"I have found using the bike challenging but in a positive way, as it's helped a lot to strengthen my right leg which has been affected by the stroke"

"I have found it very motivational. It strengthens your muscles and reconfigures the signals from your brain to the muscles. It's not mundane like other types of therapy and hearing it has been fundraised for is encouraging me to fundraise myself once I am discharged from hospital"

The Motomed was funded by Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, which works alongside staff across Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to fund projects, equipment, and experiences that further benefit patients and staff.

Emma Robertson, Head of Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, said:

“This is exactly what Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is all about — making a difference in the moments that matter. Improving patient care and experience.

It supports patients and their loved ones, and it also supports the incredible NHS staff who want nothing more than to provide the best possible care for their patients. It gives them a huge morale boost too.

“We’re so proud of the stroke team’s commitment and the generosity of everyone who supported their 24-hour cycle challenge. Together, they’ve helped bring new opportunities for recovery and hope to patients at Leighton Hospital.”

The story is being shared to mark Stroke Awareness Day (29th October 2025), highlighting the vital role rehabilitation plays in recovery and celebrating how the partnership between NHS staff, patients, the community, and Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity continues to make a lasting difference.  

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is a registered charity which supports the excellent work of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We do this by providing funding for state-of-the-art equipment, new facilities and all the added extras that make people's experience at our hospitals and in our community services the best it can be. We also provide funding for specialist training for Trust staff, which enhances their skills and helps them to provide even better care to their patients. We couldn't do any of this without the ongoing support, hard work and generosity of our local communities who donate to, and fundraise for, the charity.

Pictured - NHS staff from the Stroke ward complete 24-hour cycling challenge at Leighton Hospital.