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Group helps duo regain their health
BUSINESSMAN Stuart Latham knows he's lucky to be alive after suffering two serious illnesses - but has got his health back on track after joining an inspiring exercise group.
The 55-year-old, from Waterthorpe, had already survived cancer when he suffered a heart attack so severe his heart stopped 12 times in intensive care.
After coming through his ordeal the dad-of-one, who runs SLA Telecoms, became a member of the Sheffield Coronary Society.
He is now secretary of the group, which runs supervised fitness sessions in the city to help others regain their confidence and strength through exercise.
Stuart said getting involved with the group had made a massive difference to his life - in particular through the support of other group members.
He said: "After having my heart attack I decided to get involved with the society and be with others who'd gone though similar experiences.
"Sometimes you can forget you've come through all that, it's good to remind yourself from time to time to keep up your fighting spirit!
"I'm still busy now and still run my own business, often travelling to the other side of the country to meet clients, but I've realised it was important to take a bit of a step back from what I used to do."
Esme Wall, 84, became a member of the group 25 years ago with her husband Peter, after he suffered a heart attack
"When I joined the society there were virtually no rehabilitation services for people after a heart attack, unlike today," she said.
"It could be very frightening for some people back then. They encouraged partners to go along with them, so I originally went along to help him. Then I got drawn onto the committee, became treasurer and then secretary."
The mum-of-five - who has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren - still takes part today to help keep fit after being diagnosed with heart problems herself a few years ago.
Esme said: "Our group now has a trained fitness instructor who really gives you a feeling of having that support you need. I used to find people would come to us for the first time and say things like - "surely these people haven't had heart attacks" - when they saw people exercising. It gives them hope that they don't have to sit on the sofa.
"A heart attack can be a very frightening thing - but for my husband the classes gave him the confidence to exercise. Getting the right support can help people realise how much they can do, and also help them to push themselves a bit further."
n Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Sheffield Coronary Society gym sessions should call 07946081224 or visit www.sheffieldcoronary society.org.uk for more details.
Sessions are held at Sheffield Hallam University and referrals are taken from hospitals, GP surgeries and health clinics.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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