Wakefield cyclist is back on his bike exactly a year after surviving heart attack

Sean Sparke, 56, from Stanley had undertaken a 43 mile bike just days before the attack, which he suffered a year ago today.

The experience left him only able to walk for around 10 minutes without getting tired and required months of rehabilitation.

He said: “When I was told I was having a heart attack I thought of my dad because he had one and his life became more limited. It took me back when I was at his bedside.

“During the following months, I experienced various emotions and asked myself numerous questions.

“Will I survive? How long do I have left? What effect will it have on my family? Will I be able to get back to normal life again? And importantly will I be able to get back on the bike again?”

He was helped by the Mid Yorkshire NHS Cardiac Rehab Team, made up cardiac nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologists and admin staff.

He said: “The whole team guided me and my family through the roller coaster ride ahead.

“Their amazing hard work, team approach, compassionate and caring attitude enabled me to get back to full physical and mental health, and back in the saddle.”

To give something back to the unit Sean will embark upon the Tour de Cul de Sac bike challenge – an 80-mile bike ride up and down his street, Lock Lane Drive.

The challenge will involve around 571 laps in three days. He will begin today.

Sean added: “My original plan was to complete the 80-mile Morecambe Bay cycleway, but due to the pandemic I had to be creative.”