On your trike! Consultant sets off on epic journey

Three people in front of a sign marked "Land's End". A man and a woman are standing and holding bikes. A woman on the right is sitting on a trike. They are all wearing yellow and orange cycling kit with white writing on it, cycling helmets and sunglasses. The sea is in the background. The sky is blue and cloudy.Image source, NHS Humber Health Partnership
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Jacquelyn Smithson was among those who left Land's End on Tuesday

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A Hull consultant with multiple sclerosis is pedalling on a trike from the south-west of England to the northern tip of Scotland to raise money for an MS charity.

Dr Jacquelyn Smithson and her wife Sarah Jones are part of a trio taking on the bike and trike challenge to raise money for the MS Society.

They set off from Land's End on Tuesday on their way to John O'Groats.

Dr Smithson, a gastroenterology consultant at Hull Royal Infirmary, said she was "blown away by the generosity and good wishes" of those supporting them.

In 2021, Dr Smithson suffered a relapse which left her with no feeling in her legs and unable to walk.

Three people standing arm-in-arm in front of green bushes wearing yellow and orange cycling kit with white writing on it. The man on the left has short grey hair. The woman in the middle has short ginger hair and is wearing glasses. The woman on the right has short light brown hair and is wearing glasses. They are all smiling at the camera.Image source, NHS Humber Health Partnership
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The trio are raising money for the MS Society

"After what seemed like an endless journey of physiotherapy and incremental gains, the feeling has still not come back," Ms Jones said.

But she added her wife was "lucky enough" to be able to walk short distances with crutches and build enough muscle to turn the wheels of a bike.

"Although she can no longer cycle a two-wheeler, we have found that a trike is possible," Ms Jones said.

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