Join us on this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast as we explore the remarkable journey of Amanda Harris, an adapted cyclist and dedicated fundraiser who has embraced life's challenges following a spinal cord injury. Living in South Wales with her husband and two teenage children, Amanda's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers.

Originally from Devon and a law graduate from Cardiff University, Amanda has spent over 30 years in Wales. Her life took a dramatic turn after a serious bike accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Despite the life-altering event, Amanda's spirit remained unbroken. She spent nine months in the hospital, relearning basic skills and adapting to her new reality.

Amanda's love for cycling was rekindled when she was gifted a recumbent bike, allowing her to take on new challenges and raise funds for charity. Her journey includes the ambitious goal of completing the Wales Coast Path (WCP) using a trike, wheelchair, and occasionally walking with crutches. Amanda's determination and adaptability shine as she navigates accessibility issues and relies on friends and family to assist with sections that are not accessible.

In this episode, Amanda shares her experiences, from her early years in Devon to her life in Wales, her passion for cycling, and the various challenges she has undertaken. We delve into her methods for staying positive, setting tiny goals, and focusing on what she can achieve. Amanda's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing life's challenges with a positive attitude.

Tune in to hear Amanda's inspiring journey and her advice for women facing their own challenges. Discover how she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her remarkable story of overcoming adversity and loving life.

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Show notes

Who is Amanda
Living in South Wales with her husband and two teenage children
Originally growing up in Devon
Studying Law at Cardiff University
Living in Wales for over 30 years
Meeting her husband at University
Bringing her children up in Wales
Still learning the Welsh Language
Her early years and spending lots of time outside
Not being particularly sporty or competitive
Making walking plans for retirement
Getting into cycling before her 40th birthday
Signing up for a charity cycle ride
Being in a bike accident which caused a spinal cord injury and multiple other injuries
Not being able to feel her legs and knowing something serious had happened
Spending 9 months in hospital
Having to learn everything again
How it changed her life
What's happened since
Deciding to complete the Wales Coast Path (WCP) by trike, wheelchair and occasionally a few steps
Being able to walk a few steps with crutches
Why can't I do this now
Accepting that there are some parts which are't accessible
Asking friends and family to walk that sections that aren't accessible
Accessibility on the Wales Coast Path
Research before taking on new sections
Why everyone has different needs when it comes to access and accessibility
The need for planning
Needing to walk the path around work and needing support from other people
Completing approx 500 miles needing to do the North Wales Sections
Raising funds for charity
Getting back into cycling and being gifted a recumbent bike
Being involved in different cycling challenges
Winning a competition with - Spinal Injuries Association
Heading out to Portugal in May 2024 to ride 200 miles over 3 days!
Having moments of doubt
Not going into the dark place
Focusing on the positives and what she can do
Giving things ago and saying yes to more things (such as doing this interview!)
Wanting to take the tandem bike over to America to do a big ride with her husband
How to connect with Amanda on line
Final words of advice for women who are going through a challenging time
Not wanting to preach to people
Try and stay positive
Setting tiny, tiny goals in a notebook and how this helped during rehab
Find out what works for you and focus on that

Social Media

Instagram: @amandah_trike

Instagram: @amandascoastalchallenge

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