I suffered a heart attack in 1991 whilst involved with the Lockerbie Fatal Accident Inquiry in Dumfries. On discharge from hospital I returned home to Hants. And found out about Cardiac Rehab. I attended the classes established by Dr. High Bethell in Alton, Hants. This not only speed my recovery, but made me fitter and have confidence to resume a full working life. A dedicated group of patients raised sufficient funds to build a dedicated Cardiac Rehab facility.

When I came to Evesham in 1995, I was determined that the survivors of heart attacks living in Evesham and the Vale should have the same facility and opportunity I had to return to a full and active life. I also wanted any facility to be in the community....away from the sounds and smells of a hospital. Hence I established a local cardiac rehab facility, operating firstly from the rowing club, and now from Evesham a Leisure Centre. We are expanding classes due to demand, and hope that we can extend the philosophy of supervised exercise programmes, education and advice, to others whose conditions might benefit, through the building of a bespoke Rehab Centre.

Even though the treatment of heart disease has improved enormously, and patients are living longer, heart disease rates in the UK remain amongst the highest in the world. Experience of a heart attack or heart surgery can leave many survivors depressed. Many fear a second attack, yet there is little help to reduce anxiety or the risk of further cardiac problems.
People who have suffered a heart attack, or undergone heart
surgery, require help in two main areas:
• Resuming full activity as quickly and safely as possible
• Protection from a recurrence of heart trouble.

That’s where cardiac rehab comes in. Through education, nutrition counselling and supervised exercise, the cardiac rehab team help patients with heart disease lead more productive and enjoyable lives