A cardiac rehab group gets a helping hand
On a blissfully sunny afternoon in rural
Lincolnshire members of East Lindsey Heart Support Group are
preparing themselves for their weekly helping of cardiac
rehabilitation.
It's something they always look forward to:
they chat animatedly while they wait for the class to
start.
There’s no down side for me, definitely not! It makes you laugh!
Our
Help a Heart Grant has helped the group
purchase a fitness cycle designed especially for cardiac rehab
patients, adding another element to their gentle circuit session
which includes step exercises, small weights and walking.
Heather Oldaker, 68, is a regular participant and a big fan of
the fitness cycle.
“Everyone loves the bike. They think they’re not doing that
much, but actually they’re doing more!”
Mike Turner, Phase 3 Cardiac Rehab Instructor for the group says
these exercise sessions are invaluable. 
“You’ve only got to look at the patients to see the improvement.
You can just see it in them: they chat away to each other and
they’re not as breathless anymore.”
East Lindsey Heart Support Group takes a light hearted approach
to what can be a lonely and daunting time, by balancing
reassurance and education in an informal way.
John Dee, 67, comes to the session once a week and is full of
encouragement for anyone wanting to join in.
“Definitely don’t be anxious. The nurses, instructors and
members will put you at ease. There’s no down side for me,
definitely not! It makes you laugh!”
We are no longer accepting Help a Heart Grant applications.
Unfortunately we have closed the Programme following a review and
re-prioritisation of work programmes.
If you would like more information please call the Help a Heart
Grant team on 0207 554 0396.