Back on the pedals again! Devonshire Court resident’s first bike ride after 20 years

A resident at Devonshire Court, in Leicester, has had her first bike ride after 20 years and is the first 100 year old resident to cycle at the Home.

With the help from Activities Coordinator Rod Hancock, Maude was able to enjoy a bike ride around the Home’s ground.

Maude Tolley, was born in January 1916 and has lived in Loughborough all her life. She met her husband Dennis and they were married for 80 years and had two children, a son and daughter.

Maude has lived through the Second World War and taught children of all ages as many schools were not open. After the war, Maude continued to teach secondary school children in Loughborough and was a teacher until she retired.

Maude said:

I have had a very happy life with good friends and family and I do not have any regrets.

Maude has travelled all over the world including America, Europe and South Africa but always loved coming back home to Loughborough.

In her spare time, Maude loves to keep active and was delighted to try the dementia bike at the Home.

The tandem bike was donated to Devonshire Court by the local Masonic community. The bike is specially made for care home residents and especially helps those with dementia, to keep active, whilst being a safe way for residents to get out into the Home’s grounds. It can be ridden by two residents or a resident and staff member at the same time to ensure a safe ride at all times.

Claire Barrett, Activities Coordinator at Devonshire Court, said:

Keeping active is vital for the wellbeing of the residents within our Homeome. The tandem bicycle provides the perfect opportunity for exercise, fresh air and fun social activity.