Dr Andy Wight, consultant respiratory physician at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), is supporting Cycle to Work Day and promoting the many health benefits of cycling.
Dr Wight said: “It’s so important to get exercise because it improves heart and lung fitness.
“For my patients with lung cancer and other types of cancer, there’s strong evidence showing that physical activity boosts treatment effectiveness and improves survival.
“Cycling is a great way to make movement part of daily life.”
Dr Andy Wight with colleague Ben Streatfield in the Lung Unit (Image: Supplied) He began cycling to work during the Covid-19 pandemic and now rides to Arrowe Park Hospital three to four times a week.
He said: “Cycling to work doesn’t take much longer than driving.
“During term time, it’s actually quicker than driving through school traffic.”
Dr Wight believes in staying active year-round and encourages even patients with chronic lung conditions to keep moving.
He is not alone in his commitment to cycling.
Dawn Parker, a nurse in the Endoscopy Unit at Arrowe Park Hospital, has been cycling to work for 25 years.
Dawn Parker outside the Endoscopy Unit (Image: Supplied) Ms Parker said: “It takes me about 30 to 40 minutes to get into work, and I’ve done my exercise for the day.
“On the ride home, it helps me process my day so by the time I get home, I’ve cleared my head.
“Exercise improves your mental health because it releases mood-boosting chemicals, and it certainly works for me.”
She credits cycling with helping her stay youthful and energetic.
Ms Parker said: “I could still do a 5k run if I wanted to.”
Dawn Parker on her bike on the way to work (Image: Supplied) She also recommends the government’s Cycle to Work Scheme and has seen others graduate from e-bikes to regular bicycles as their fitness improves.
Reena Alexis, an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner, also cycles to work and said the switch has allowed her to sell her car.
Janelle Holmes, chief executive of WUTH, praised the growing interest in cycling among staff.
Ms Holmes said: “Our staff are committed to improving our patients’ lives, and many are leading by example when it comes to looking after their own health.”