24 November 2011
Between them, a sporting couple have run a marathon and a half to raise money for the Cardiac Rehab Centre at Epsom Hospital (where patients with heart conditions are helped to get back on their feet and return to fitness).
Frances Shere and her partner Dominic Taylor took on the challenge after Frances' aunt, Karina Tyrell, suffered a heart attack 18 months ago and used the services of the rehabilitation centre as part of her recovery.
At the centre, a team of clinical nurse specialists in cardiology (advanced nurses who specialise in heart problems) work with fitness professionals to help patients with a range of heart conditions, such as having suffered a heart attack or undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, as they learn more about their condition and take part in fitness classes.
Frances said: "The period following my Aunt Karina's heart attack was a very worrying time for the family, and I think we all wished that we could be of more help. Initially, my aunt wasn't well at all and struggled to stay mobile, but with the help of the rehab centre, she became much stronger and much more confident, and the difference was incredible.
"She happened to mention that the centre could do with a new rowing machine, so as a thank you for the work they're doing, Dominic and I decided to get running to raise money. Dominic took on the full marathon distance (26.2 miles) while I opted for the half marathon (13.1 miles).
"The run was really difficult at the time, but in hindsight, it was a fantastic experience and we are over the moon to have been able to raise money for the centre. At the moment, we're just short of the total that we need, with £900 raised for a rowing machine that costs approximately £1,000."
Karina has now made a full recovery and in an unexpected turn of events, now works as an administrator at the rehabilitation centre for two days a week.
She said: "The centre has helped me enormously - it gave me back my confidence and has shown me that I do have a future ahead of me.
"Having a heart attack is a really frightening thing to go through. Whatever you try to do, the fear that it could happen again is always in the back of your mind. But, once I joined the rehab centre all of that started to slowly change. I was able to learn more about my condition, the medication I needed and how I could get fit in a safe and effective way.
"In fact, I appreciate the rehab centre so much that even 18 months after having the heart attack I still come to fitness classes. I truly am grateful that this centre exists, and I am really proud of Frances and Dominic for taking part in the marathons and raising such a generous amount of money."
Vivienne Casey, clinical nurse specialist for the cardiac rehabilitation service, said: "On behalf of all of our staff and the patients that we see, I would like to thank Frances and Dominic for taking on this challenge.
"It couldn't have been an easy thing to do, but their efforts mean that we will be able to buy a brand new, state-of-the-art rowing machine for our on-site gym. Most people wouldn't expect to find a rowing machine in a hospital, but they are vital pieces of equipment for us and are fundamental to the services we offer."
It's not too late to sponsor Frances and Dominic and to help them smash their target of £1,000. Simply visit their online sponsorship form at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/runningforarower.
