As Men’s Health Month highlights the importance of looking after men’s wellbeing, and following on from Bike Week, Dave Morgan’s story is a powerful reminder that being active doesn’t have to mean being “fit”, it’s about finding what’s right for you.
After retiring in Tendring, Dave turned to cycling as a way to stay active despite long‑term knee injuries. What began as a simple solution quickly became a lifeline, helping him improve his physical health, build confidence and form strong social connections. He now runs a local cycling group every other week, supporting others to get active in a way that feels achievable.
In December 2022, routine tests revealed Dave had incurable multiple myeloma and, without treatment, just three months to live. However, because he had been cycling regularly and improving his health, he was fit enough to undergo a stem cell transplant, treatment his consultant confirmed he otherwise wouldn’t have been eligible for. It saved his life.
Following two and a half years of chemotherapy and treatment, Dave is now in remission and continues to manage his condition through regular cycling, healthy eating and staying socially connected, demonstrating how physical activity supports long-term wellbeing, builds healthier habits and helps reduce inequalities by making positive change more accessible to all.
Men are often less likely to prioritise their health or seek support, yet Dave’s journey shows how activity, especially when it’s social, can open the door to both physical and mental wellbeing. The connections he built through cycling became just as important as the exercise itself, helping him stay motivated, positive and supported throughout his treatment.
Now in remission and recently recognised with a Pride of Tendring Award, Dave has become an informal advocate for active living, inspiring others, many of whom are managing long‑term conditions, to keep moving in ways that feel achievable.
Dave explained:
“If I hadn’t changed my lifestyle and been active, I wouldn’t have been offered stem cell treatment. Staying active saved my life.”
His story is a powerful call to action. Being active doesn’t have to mean intense workouts or strict routines. It can be as simple as getting on a bike, joining a group, or finding small ways to move more each day. Because sometimes, those small steps don’t just improve your health, they can be life changing.
Find Your Active and Move for your Mind here.
