HEART attack survivor Mabel Taylor is championing a cardiac rehabilitation programme funded by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Mabel, 82, from Knutsford, was referred onto the programme after suffering a heart attack, and said it had proved crucial in helping her recover and reducing the chances of it happening again.

Mabel suffered the attack in May 2016 after her arteries became clogged up.

She was taken to Macclesfield Hospital before being transferred to Royal Stoke Hospital, where she underwent an angioplasty and had a stent inserted to clear the blockage.

The cardiac rehabilitation team at East Cheshire NHS Trust supported Mabel while she was in hospital, and decided its exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme in local leisure centres was best for her recovery.

It is a six to eight-week programme which reinforces positive lifestyle changes and encourages participation in exercise with the support of cardiac nurses.

Knutsford Guardian:

Mabel Taylor in her garden

Mabel said: “For some years I had a bad foot, so I became very lazy about walking. Since I've been coming to the gym I've found that my strength has improved.

“I can walk further, my stamina is better and I’ve felt an all-round improvement in health.

“I categorically recommend this programme. Anybody who doesn’t take advantage of it following a cardiac event isn’t being fair to themselves or the people who provided their care.”

Paula Spray, one of the nurses who refers patients into the programme, said it was suitable for people of all ages and conditions.

He said: “It isn’t just exercise-based, it involves information sessions on subjects such as healthy eating, medication and how to reduce the chances of having another cardiac event.

“There’s lots of evidence that the programme helps people live healthier lives, make a full recovery and reduce their risk of further heart attacks and developing a wide range of health conditions.”

The initial phase of the programme is delivered by cardiac rehabilitation nurses.

There is an option after this to continue long-term lifestyle improvement and continued guidance and support from cardiac exercise specialist instructors at Everybody Sport and Recreation for £3.60 a session.

More information about the programme can be found at everybody.org.uk or by ringing 01270 685589.