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Help for cardiac patients from Southport Masons
PATIENTS
recovering from heart problems have been given a boost this week
with the donation of 2 exercise cycles to help with their
rehabilitation. The cycles were bought and donated by the five
Southport Lodges of the Mark Masons of West Lancashire.
Brian Molyneux, the Charity Representative for the Lodges
explained:- "One of our members, Tom Holt, had open heart
surgery last year and attended the 20-week rehabilitation programme
at the gym in Southport Hospital. When he was there he realised some
of the equipment was rather old and he approached me to see if the
Lodges could help at all. We contacted the cardiac
rehabilitation nurses and they said that two exercise cycles would
be of most use. They also commented that a projector they use in
class also needed replacing, so we were able to get that as well.
In all £1,500 was donated by the Southport Lodges and £1,200 came
from the regional provincial fund. We are only glad that we have
been able to help, as at least two of our members from Southport
have had to use the rehab facilities at the hospital."
Rose Duncan, one of the team of Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses
expressed the thanks of both staff and patients, "We are very
grateful for this generous donation. Gentle exercise is very
important when recovering from heart problems and the cycles will
help a great deal."
One of the patients pictured on the new machines, Peter Barton, had
a heart attack 18 months ago and has recently been fitted with a
stent to help improve blood flow. He said:- "I have received
fantastic aftercare and noticed a massive difference to my health
since attending the rehab classes. It is wonderful that people are
prepared to donate like this."
The Cardiac Team at Southport consists of 3 Rehabilitation Nurses,
Rose Duncan, Clare Taylor and Isobel Williamson; Anne Prescott,
Physiotherapy Instructor; Melanie Readon, Physiotherapist and Susan
Cowley, Healthcare Assistant. |
Are
you ready to take up the challenge?
THE British
Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched 2 exciting events for people who
want to take on a New Year’s challenge and haver now start training.
The nation’s heart charity is looking for brave teams of people to
take their walking to new heights by scaling the highest mountains
in Scotland, England and Wales in the BHF’s Hearts First Britain’s
Biggest Mountain Challenge on the 28 June 2008 and 29 June 2008. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon provide the dramatic settings for the BHF’s
‘Britain’s Biggest Mountain Challenge’ event. Last year 33
teams took part and raised a fantastic £47,000.
Event organiser Helen Whitely said:- “Teams need to consist of
between four and seven walkers and for those who'd rather take a
less active role, each team will also need at least one designated
driver.
As well as going through some fantastic scenery and enjoying
the company of other like-minded walkers their efforts will be
helping the BHF to fight heart disease. “
And for those who prefer wheels to hiking boots, registration is now
open for the BHF’s Hearts First White Peak Challenge, a testing 29
mile bike ride through Derbyshire’s spectacular Peak District on
Sunday 27 April 2008. The event is an on-road ride with 4 miles off
road so a mountain bike is recommended.
Event organiser Jessica Storer said:- “With 2 or 3 steep
hills, this is very much of a challenge and you must be fit enough
to tackle them; although you can always get off and push.
Every
year, 208,000 people die from heart and circulatory disease and we
need your support to help beat heart disease together.”
For more information about the Hearts First Britain’s Biggest
Mountain Challenge, log on to
www.bhf.org.uk/mountains or call 0800 917
6716.
To find out more about the Hearts First White Peak Challenge,
log on to www.bhf.org.uk/whitepeak or call 0800 085 2280.
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