Loving Husband Invents Special Bike So He Can Take His Wife With Alzheimer's On Rides

Jun 22, 2022 by apost team

Growing old can be difficult for couples, with health problems tearing them apart. The unexpectedness that can come with growing older can also be a new challenge for people in that stage of life. 

Alzheimer’s disease is one condition that can have a serious impact on one’s life and make caring for the afflicted person difficult. But for Sunshine Coast resident Bill Forward, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t going to ruin his relationship with his wife of over 50 years, Gladys. Forward got creative and invented a contraption that allows him to bike with his wife. During their half-a-century together, Bill and Gladys had been almost inseparable. They especially enjoyed spending time outside and soaking up the beauty of nature.

Sadly, Gladys's condition took its toll on her ability to spend time outdoors. As she got worse, she began struggling with mobility and couldn’t even go outside without risking a fall. 

Despite the couple’s determination to stay together no matter what, it has not been an easy road and Bill has been forced to take on a lot of responsibility to keep his wife in good shape. He explains in a video that he has to do everything for Gladys, helping her from the minute that she opens her eyes in the morning until she closes them at night.

While we are sure that Bill must spend most of his time exhausted, he says that caring for his wife is not a burden in any way. Instead, he considers it to be a privilege to care for her after all these years that they’ve spent together.  

Alzheimer's impacts 5.8 million people in the United States according to the Alzheimers Association. After nearly 55 years of marriage, the couple has experienced a long and beautiful marriage together. Bill said that taking care of his wife is his greatest honor.

“I don’t count it a burden whatsoever, I count it a great privilege to care for this one I have loved all these years," Bill shared. She’s my princess and I’m her William and I wouldn’t have it any other way," the husband said. 

But, despite the joy that he finds in caring for Gladys, it broke Bill’s heart that she could no longer enjoy their time outside. This was when he had a remarkable idea: a bicycle built for two that would make it possible for Gladys to enjoy the ride while he did the pedaling. Drawing up his plans with care, Bill didn’t stop working until it was perfect. Sure enough, it was a success! The bike is specially designed so that Gladys can sit in the front seat while Bill sits behind her, pumping the pedals with his feet. As they travel down the road, Bill can point things out to his wife, helping to bring some cheer to her life.

Not only did this invention bring some joy to this couple's life, but other people with varying afflictions also showed interest in this innovative design. Since then, Bill has even started the process of getting the design ready for production and sale. It's a complicated process, but you can visit their homepage for more info.

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In a world where marriages are so easily tossed aside, it is wonderful to see a couple that is devoted to loving and caring for each other regardless of the circumstances. Have you known any men like Bill who put their own needs aside to care for their partners? Let us hear about them in the comment section below and make someone's day by passing this uplifting story on.