65-year-old Richard from Exeter attended our 10-week Exercise Referral Programme in The Gym at Westbank between November 2024 and April 2025, where he was supported by a dedicated member of the Fitness Team to undertake twice-weekly exercise classes.

Richard was referred to the Fitness team at Westbank by the physiotherapist from Exeter Community Neuro Rehab Team with whom he was carrying out rehabilitation, further to a stroke in October 2023, which affected his right-hand side.

He had also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD and frozen shoulder symptoms. The Fitness Team at Westbank assessed Richard and then designed and prescribed a structured programme that included cardiovascular training, lower and upper body strength, balance and shoulder mobility exercises.

In Richards own words “I couldn’t walk or balance very well and I was informed by my physio that the best place in Exeter to carry out a focused and structured training programme was with the Exercise Referral team at Westbank Community Health and Care in Exminster. Wayne, Natasha and Steve, all made me feel very welcome and supported me throughout the programme. When I first started, I felt a bit weak and tired and my left arm hurt.  I had a frame and I progressed to a stick with no aches in my side where I had the stroke. My blood pressure is now under control, and my shoulder feels more mobile. I enjoyed the company and the exercise was very, very beneficial. I feel more confident now to carry out my everyday activities that I need to do.  Now I have the confidence and strength to walk without my stick whenever I need to, and I don’t feel like I will fall over like I did before”

Richard has progressed extremely well throughout the programme and has shown great improvements in his strength and mobility during his assessments. Most significantly he has progressed from only walking 190 metres in 6 minutes with his walking stick, to 295 metres without any walking aid, demonstrating significant improvements in his balance, cardiovascular fitness, co-ordination and leg strength.

In addition to this, his mobility around the house has improved and he perceives his own fitness and health is significantly better, which has given him a great confidence in what he is able to achieve.

Richard has continued with his exercising, regularly attending assisted sessions in the Gym at Westbank.  Furthermore, Richard has taken out an annual gym membership at Westbank, as he can see the benefit and the difference that tailored exercise can make to his everyday life.