Мать шестерых детей преодолела диабет и сбросила 40 кг благодаря бесплатной городской библиотеке велосипедов

A mum-of-six has hailed a community bike loan scheme for transforming her health and changing her life. Claire Carey, 47, from Leigh was on the cusp of Type 2 diabetes and struggling with her weight when she joined the Leigh Bike Library on 7 July 2025 at the suggestion of her youngest son, Gianfranco. After not cycling for more than 35 years she began riding regularly and has since lost seven stone and regained her confidence. Ms Carey said: "It’s been really good my mental health too. I’ve had anxiety and low mood in the past, and because of my body shape I’ve never felt comfortable in my own skin. "Now I’ve got a lot more confidence to get out and do things, and I’ve met more people so there’s that social side of it as well. "Cycling is amazing and has given me so much freedom and enjoyment over the past year. "Thank you, Leigh Bike Library!" Her health journey began when Gianfranco, then seven, asked her to go cycling with him. Although she could barely manage two miles at first, she soon began riding most days, losing 15kg in just two months. Her newfound activity also inspired her to try open water swimming and strength training. By May she had completed the one-mile Greater Manchester Swim. Now regularly cycling up to 17 miles, Ms Carey hopes to reach a 50-mile bike ride this year and plans to swim 2.5km in a race this September. She has also signed up for a five-mile swim at Coniston in 2027. She said: "If I can do it after years of being inactive and not really being interested in my health, then I believe anyone can." The Leigh Bike Library launched in April 2023 at Leigh Youth Hub. It allows residents to borrow bikes and cycling equipment free of charge for up to two months. Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "It seems like such a simple thing but, as Claire’s story proves, just having that opportunity to borrow a bike can be the first step on the journey to something bigger. "We’re really proud to see the real difference it’s making for Claire and so many other residents." A second library opened in February this year at Wigan’s Gearing Up Workshop. The Leigh Bike Library is open on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12 noon, and on the first and third Mondays from 5pm to 7pm, excluding Bank Holidays.