Fancy footwork with 'Upbeat' 
in Bradford
'Upbeat' Bradford North is a small, but
flourishing group with 52 members that’s been offering support,
socials and exercise for nine years.
Line dancing is the group's favoured activity and as part
of their social side, the group also celebrated the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a special buffet lunch of all things
British.
Meet the members
Many of the heart patients who come along to
the weekly line dancing class have all manner of heart conditions
ranging from high blood pressure and
high cholesterol to atrial fibrillation and angina. One or two have undergone coronary bypass surgery - nothing stops
them coming along and joining in.
Mary Lannen is 65 and comes with her husband
Jim. Margaret had a heart attack earlier
this year, but she’s keen to live her life to its fullest.
“Everyone here has had something similar happen to
them, but you’re not as fragile as you think. There are people here
who’ve had triple bypasses, so if they can do it, so can
I!”
John Paxton is one of the group’s veteran’s at
85 years. Nine years ago John had three stents fitted and he found out about 'Upbeat'
after the cardiac rehab team at Bradford Hospital
suggested he join. John says the best thing about the group is not
just the support, but the humour it provides during what can be a
difficult and daunting experience. “We’re all friends here.
Nine times out of ten someone does something wrong but nobody
laughs at anyone: we all laugh with them.”
Everyone here has had something similar happen to them, but you’re not as fragile as you think.
Positive determination
Marilyn Clapham, 62, is the group’s line
dancing instructor and has been shaking her hips with thegroup for
six years. What keeps her coming back is their determination;
nothing seems to hold them back. “It’s the smiles on their
faces that make it all worthwhile: they cheer me up and they
inspire me.”
It’s that positive
determination that has kept the group going for so long. A
few of the members have been here since the beginning when Ian
helped set the group up in 2004 with three other members. Ian jokes
that no one wanted the job of treasurer so he kindly volunteered
himself, and wife Jean ended up with the role of secretary as she
was the only one with a computer! Of course it was Jean's
caring approach and excellent organising skills that landed
her the role too. And everyone chips
in, offering their time generously to organise socials and
monthly outings.
The social side
'Upbeat' is like most groups up and down the
country offering walks, tea and coffee get-togethers and
daytrips. Next month the group’s members are planning a
day trip to Lake Windermere. And the group’s activities don’t stop
there; they fundraise for the local Bradford Royal Infirmary,
the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation.
When we visited the group put on a
special lunch to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee and everyone had made or bought something. The
room was decorated in red, white and blue bunting,
there were flags everywhere and Marilyn had even made a
scrumptious cake.
Membership is free of charge, but Ian leaves a
small collection tin on the table and members contribute whatever
they can afford. And it’s those generous contributions that go
towards the cost of the various activities and also help pay
for the tea, coffee and biscuits, which are essential for any
group's success!
Open to all
Like all heart support groups, carers,
family and friends are always welcome. Margaret Horsfall,
77, 
first started coming to the support
group after her husband had triple coronary
bypass surgery nine years ago. Soon after Margaret found
out she had atrial fibrillation so now
she comes in her own right. It’s not just the
companionship that Margaret enjoys; it’s knowing
that everyone else understands what you’re going
through.“We all support each other as we’re all in a
similar position. In fact, we seem to go on for
longer!”
Audrey Walker’s 76 and she’s been coming along
to the group since 2008 when she had a heart attack. Audrey’s
advice to anyone wanting to join? “Just come along, you’re
all welcome, and you’re made welcome.”
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