Emma, a 51-year-old lady from Exeter, attended our 10-week Exercise Referral Programme in The Gym at Westbank between March and May 2025, where she was supported by a dedicated member of the Fitness Team to undertake twice-weekly exercise classes.

Emma was referred to Westbank Community Health and Care (Westbank) by a physiotherapist from Whipton Hospital, having experienced a stroke 10 years ago, which significantly affected her balance, coordination and strength. More recently, in 2023, Emma underwent treatment for breast cancer, and during this treatment, she had a further TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack), also known as a mini-stroke, which again greatly impacted her mobility and led her to become reliant on a four-wheeled walker due to full-body weakness.

Emma was referred to ‘The Gym at Westbank’ to help improve her general fitness levels and build her strength and confidence after her cancer treatment.

As a result of her cancer treatment, Emma was diagnosed with Osteopenia (a medical condition in which the protein and mineral content of bones is reduced), therefore it was important that the Fitness Team designed an exercise programme to support Emma, which focused on resistance and weight-bearing activities that help improve bone density. 

At the end of the 10-week period, Emma had made a huge improvement overall in the number of repetitions, sets and weights completed and described how she not only felt stronger, but that her daily tasks started to feel more manageable, and her pain and fatigue levels decreased. 

Although Emma was very anxious about starting the Exercise Referral Programme and being in a gym environment, she felt comfortable at Westbank and grew to really enjoy her gym sessions. She found it hugely beneficial for her mental health, too.

Emma said, “This programme is completely brilliant. It provides just the right amount of push and encouragement, but in a very supportive and encouraging way. The gym is ideally suited to rehab, and Katie is extremely knowledgeable. Her support has been incredible. Thank you!”