Mo is an inspiration to all!!

Before my stroke in March 2022 I used to be a Windrush Leisure Centre regular taking part in exercise classes including Spinning and the gym – I was pretty fit and proud of it!

After four months in hospital [Spain then the UK] with extensive rehab I was left in a wheelchair, unable to walk with my left side of my body, weaker than the right.

I asked my GP to refer me to the Healthwise programme and started with instructors Sam and Heidi. After an initial assessment they gave me some gym based exercises with hand weights, therapy bands and balls to improve my range of movement and strength. I also started using the motored bike and can now do 9km – My next goal is to get to 10km! Easy peasey!

I have built up from 5km. I also have a Parkrun/walk aim on my list to get ticked!

A month ago I made my first trip to Carterton Leisure Centre to use the Swimming Pool – the first time I have been in a pool since my stroke. The pool pod meant that I could get in and out of the water in a wheelchair and Heidi and Sam were on hand to help my daughter Tara for the first few sessions. Sam gave me some exercises and I was able to walk for the first time!

With a glass of red I would be running in the near future! 

I hope to be able to use the steps to enter and exit the pool as I love being in the water – it gives me a real sense of freedom and it’s very relaxing to simply float. 

I have recently started to attend the social dance session with Daphne on Tuesdays at Carterton, it’s great to meet new people.

I will soon be on Strictly Come Dancing!

In short I look forward to my visits. The staff and instructors are always pleased to see me and are extremely friendly and helpful. Exercise has helped me to improve my mood, confidence, strength and fitness and I am feeling much better about the future.

I still do have down days though as my Granddaughter points out, take the 't' out of 'can't', believing is achieving Nanny, you have GOT THIS! 

Nanny 1 - Stroke 0