A POPULAR Evesham charity has asked local residents to dig deep and help their bid to raise £10,000 for six new cardiac rehab bikes for their new centre in the heart of the town.
Charity chiefs at Evesham Vale Cardiac Rehab have launched the fund-raising drive ahead of their move to a purpose built community venue at the town’s Leisure Centre in January.
Bosses hope to raise enough cash to buy half a dozen specialist bikes recommended for cardiac rehab purposes. Three of these will be upright, and three will be reclining.
This will provide the necessary capacity for all patients on both programmes to improve their recovery and fitness levels.
EVCR was launched ten years ago to provide a community based venue for the survivors of heart attacks and cardiac vascular events.
The rehabilitation programmes are exercise based, whilst including information on diet, medicines, stress relief, the benefits of exercise.
The initial phase is conducted with cardiac nurses and fitness instructors, tailored to each patients ability and need.
Patients then move on to a more advanced phase which aims to further improve heart health, and provide social interaction with fellow patients.
Patients’ confidence increases, whilst they are encouraged to build exercise into their daily lives. But there’s a problem, classes are conducted currently at Evesham Leisure Centre and patients use existing spin bikes for part of their programme.
EVCR chairman, Gerry O’Donnell said: “They are not entirely suitable, being fixed wheel and difficult for many patients to mount and dismount. Furthermore, when moving to our new studio, the spirit bikes will no longer be readily available.
“These new bikes are £1,800 to £2,000 each and therefore have a target of £10,000. We move into our new accommodation in January 2019, and would like to have this equipment by then.
“Supporting EVCR means you are also supporting your local community. We serve those who live in the Vale, and are the only community-based service in Worcestershire and aim to put health at the heart of the community,” he added.
Visit www.chuffed.org and search for Cardiac Rehab Bike Appeal for more information.
