Ahmed, 79, has a rare heart condition which also affects his eyesight. He has been struggling with his mobility for many years but lockdown left him struggling to walk and afraid to leave the house.
Since attending exercise sessions run by our Rehab and Wellbeing Service, not only has his strength improved, they have given him back his confidence.
Here Ahmed shares how the specialist support he has received at Garden House Hospice Care has been truly life-changing.
"I was 45 years old when I suffered my first cardiac arrest, and I had several heart attacks in the following years. Eventually I was fitted with a pacemaker and a defibrillator.
I started going downhill during lockdown and my mental and physical health really suffered. I was struggling to walk because I was doing no exercise at all and spending my days sitting down. I became afraid to leave the house.
"It was my cardiologist who signposted me to Garden House Hospice Care and it has been a real godsend.
"I was quite apprehensive when I first went along to the weekly strength and balance classes but now, I really look forward to them.
"I am part of a lovely group of like-minded people and the staff are wonderful - they make you feel welcome and put you at ease.
"I feel much more confident now and I am definitely getting stronger. I was able to walk to the doctors by myself recently - it’s not far but I would never have been able to do that if it wasn’t for the help the Hospice has given me.
"It has put Rita’s mind at ease too. While I am doing my class, she is able to go and do the shopping as she doesn’t have to worry about me.
"Last year, we went on holiday with our grandchildren and I wasn’t able to join in as I couldn’t walk much at all.
"It was a different story this year! In February we went to Suffolk for a short break and I had so much fun going out and about with the grandchildren.
"My daughter asked the little ones “what was the best part of your holiday?” and they said “Grandad coming out” - that really meant the world to me."
