After experiencing a serious fall that resulted in both a broken hip and wrist, one Cheshire East member, Mary, faced a long road to recovery. Following multiple surgeries and two months in a care home, she found herself fighting to regain independence and battling recurring groin pain that made the prospect of exercise daunting.
“When I finally returned home, I felt stuck. My mobility had deteriorated so much that I wasn’t sure how I’d ever get back to my old self,” Mary shared.
Initially hesitant to rejoin the Stand Strong programme she had previously attended, fate happened when she crossed paths with Reece, a facilitator of the programme, at the Wilmslow United Reformed Church.
Mary shared, “Reece’s enthusiasm was infectious. He took the time to understand my concerns and reassured me that the programme could be tailored to support my recovery. With his encouragement, I decided to give it a try,”.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround for Mary. The exercises provided a gentle yet effective way to rebuild her strength, improve mobility and manage pain.
Mary continued:
“The programme has been nothing short of transformative. The exercises are practical and manageable, helping me regain control of my body without overwhelming me. I’ve not only improved my mobility but also learned how to better manage my pain. It’s been a real game-changer,”.
Beyond the physical benefits, the Stand Strong programme also helped restore Mary’s confidence and independence. Mary now advocates for everyone in the community to embrace the importance of movement and consider programmes like Stand Strong.
“We should all be encouraged to MOVE. The Stand Strong exercise programme is perfect for people like me who need extra support. It’s not just about exercising, it’s about reclaiming your life. I’m incredibly grateful for the benefits it has brought me and I’d recommend it to anyone,”.
Mary’s inspiring journey highlights the power of perseverance, community support and the transformative impact of tailored exercise programmes.
To find out more information about the Stand Strong programme please visit, https://www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/stand-strong/ or call 0300 123 5026 or email [email protected]
ENDS.
Notes to Editor
Everybody Health & Leisure is a registered charity which aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. The charity operates 16 leisure facilities including 9 swimming pools and 9 Taste for Life cafes across the Cheshire East region, and delivers a range of targeted health, sports and disability and inclusion programmes. For more information please visit: www.everybody.org.uk or follow on Facebook @EverybodyHealthLeisure and Instagram @ebleisure
Media Contact
Name: Matt Shannon
Organisation: Everybody Health & Leisure
Email: [email protected]