Rugby residents recovering from heart problems are being helped to rebuild their fitness with new exercise equipment.
What makes this latest purchase particularly special is that it brings together funding from The Friends of the Hospital of St Cross with money raised by people who have themselves benefited from cardiac rehabilitation.
The Friends has purchased a new exercise bench and pulley system for the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. This has extended the range of exercise available to patients, particularly those who enjoyed a more active lifestyle before their heart event and want to regain a higher level of fitness.
Additional weight training equipment has also been purchased with funds raised by members of the Phase 4 continuation exercise classes.
Cardiac rehabilitation provides tailored support following a heart attack, cardiac surgery or heart failure, helping patients understand their condition, rebuild their fitness and gain confidence in managing their future heart health.
Dave Montgomery, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist, said: “Every patient comes to cardiac rehabilitation with different circumstances, goals and levels of fitness.
“Having a wider range of equipment means we can safely progress patients who want to return to a higher level of fitness. We are incredibly grateful to The Friends for their continued support and to our Phase 4 groups. Raising this money to help others is a wonderful way of giving something back.”
Stuart Boulton, who has been using the new weight training equipment as part of his cardiac rehabilitation, said: “After a heart event, it can take time to regain confidence in what your body is capable of. Being able to use equipment like this, knowing the team is there to support and guide you, makes a real difference.
“For me, it isn’t just about recovering. It’s about building my fitness back up and getting back to doing the things I enjoyed before. I’m able to see that progress, which is a great feeling.”
Garth Murphy, Chair of The Friends of St Cross, said: “We are proud to have supported Cardiac Rehabilitation for many years and have funded most of the exercise equipment in the gym.
“It is particularly pleasing that people who have benefited from the service are now helping others following in their footsteps. It is a wonderful example of our community supporting one another.”
Video: we have a short clip demonstrating our new gym equipment.
Picture L-R:
Dave Montgomery, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist
Stuart Boulton, Cardiac Rehabilitation patient
Garth Murphy, Chair, The Friends of St Cross