Susan’s story: round the world from home

Susan’s story: round the world from home

Susan cares for her daughter, who has a diagnosed learning disability. Alongside her caring responsibilities, she also works in a demanding job, leaving very little time for herself on a regular basis. Recently, reductions in some areas of support have added further pressure, impacting both her daughter’s routine and Susan’s own wellbeing, particularly during the winter months.

Staying active has always been important to Susan, but with less available support, finding the time to leave the house and exercise became increasingly difficult. Wanting to prioritise her health and create some time for herself, she decided to apply for a Time to Live microgrant.

With the grant, Susan purchased a virtual reality cycling device, allowing her to exercise from home at times that suited her, particularly in the evenings when her daughter was settled.

She also found that the device helped combat the isolation she often felt during dark winter evenings:

“The winter nights can feel long and lonely, but now I can go cycling in Scotland, Paris or London without leaving my home. I can join group rides or take part in organised sessions it’s brilliant. It gives me a form of respite that I feel comfortable with, and I can use it whenever it suits me.”

For Susan, this support has provided not only a way to stay physically active, but also a sense of connection, relaxation, and much-needed personal time.

Find out more about Time to Live here.