By Isle of Wight Observer
The pulmonary rehabilitation team at St Mary’s Hospital has received a new set of weights and kettlebells, thanks to a donation from the Isle of Wight Breathe Easy group.
Breathe Easy, a local support group affiliated with Asthma and Lung UK, purchased a range of equipment requested by the pulmonary rehab department. The set, worth £505.55, includes weights and kettlebells from 3kg to 10kg. These will now be used by patients attending the six-week rehabilitation courses held regularly in the hospital’s respiratory gym.
Andy Savage, from Breathe Easy, said: “Our committee members were pleased to fund this request and hand over the equipment to Natalie Robinson and her team. Their programme helps people with chronic lung conditions to build strength, stamina, and endurance. These weights will be used regularly and benefit many patients over the years.”
Natalie Robinson, from the pulmonary rehab team, explained: “We need a variety of weights and kettlebells to suit different participants. As they progress through our twice-weekly sessions, they gain muscle strength, which is essential for managing their condition.”
Over the last 26 years, Breathe Easy IW has provided various items to support the hospital’s respiratory care, including nebulisers, treadmills, bikes, and an ultrasound scanner. The group’s next goal is likely to be funding a weights rack to store the new equipment.
Breathe Easy holds monthly meetings at Arreton Village Hall, along with quizzes, tea dances, beetle drives, and an annual fair. It also runs weekly Keep Active classes. New members are welcome and details can be found at iw.observer/breathe-easy, or by contacting Andy Savage on 07779 616189.
