Caitlin who only started running 2 years ago, starting out on the ‘couch to 5K’ with the Handy Cross Runners, ran in aid of Hearts & Souls after being inspired by her father Gary’s, treatment and recovery through the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust cardiac rehabilitation programme at Wycombe hospital following his heart attack last year. We are justly proud that she has chosen our charity to support and to give back to future cardiac patients; our grateful thanks are extended to her and her father.

Her fund raising page was kept busy throughout her training and even on the run day where she has smashed through £2,000.00 with the page still open for further donations. This is an absolute brilliant achievement which moves her up to the 5th highest ever individual fundraiser on our JustGiving page!

“I was delighted to reach the £2000 mark and so pleased to have run for a local charity that really means something to me! I unfortunately had some trouble with my left knee that appeared on the day at about mile 16 through to mile 20. Thankfully the St Johns Ambulance taped it up, I took some painkillers and then managed to successfully complete the course!”

Please show your appreciation by making a donation here and let’s get her up to 4th! ….. click here

Events like this are vitally important to the charity in order to raise funds, this being the first member led event in 5 years. This, and any other donations received by Hearts & Souls, will go directly to support the cardiac rehab team to improve the outcome for recovering cardiac patients.

LAST REMINDER TO SUPPORT CAITLIN:

We are currently looking to improve our profile to expand our income streams by raising awareness in the charity by attending local community events.

As part of this effort, ideally we require a 3x3m branded events gazebo – this is currently beyond our means and we are reaching out to see there is a commercial business willing to sponsor or part sponsor the cost for the tagline ‘Hearts & Souls supported by …..’ and your logo as part of the branding.

Thank you in anticipation.

This is an initiative first started by Hearts & Souls just over a year ago to provide gifts and useful information post rehab. to all patients on their graduation.

Now introducing the new Hearts & Souls fridge magnet and rebranded water bottle, coming soon!

The Hearts & Souls water bottle, ideal when pottering around in the garden

The new Hearts & Souls fidge magnet, ideal for sprucing up that old fridge!

Here are a couple of ideas:

PARKRUN:

This is a free to enter timed social 5km (approx. 3 miles) walk/jog/run that takes place every Saturday starting at 9:00am with the local one in High Wycombe meeting on the Rye by the swimming pool.

I first started this a few months after I completed the rehab, supported by my GP and cardiologist. I attend most weeks and this has helped with my fitness levels and to maintain a regular exercise regime. You DO NOT need to run and there is no time limit.

Read my personal parkrun story here: https://peterjemmett.blogspot.com/2022/08/heart-attack-to-10k-part-419-persistent.html

If anyone would like find out more about parkrun and maybe give it a go (providing it is not contrary to advice from your cardiology team), I am happy to meet up and walk at your pace and explain the event with you – plus it will give you over 6,500 of your 10,000 daily step target!

Drop me an email at peterjemmett@aol.com

Web: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/wycomberye/

THE PROPER BLOKES CLUB:

This is a new men’s weekly walk in High Wycombe. Taking place every Monday they meet outside the train station with walks around of 5km or an hour (whichever comes first). This is a slow casual walk to the pace of the group.

The route starts from the train station down the High Street along Frogmoor towards Hughenden park then back again until lighter evenings when they will be focused on The Rye.

There is another walk in Amersham, see the web link below for more information.

This is a safe space for men to have a walk and a chat.

Contact 07397501110 or email: theproperblokesclub@gmail.com

Web: https://www.theproperblokesclub.co.uk/

Please always check and follow advice from your cardiology team before committing to any exercise.

If you know of any other walks or exercise that might be appropriate for recovering cardiac patients, please let us know.

You can now raise donations EVERY time you shop online – AT NO ADDITIIONAL COST TO YOU OR US!

Over 8,000 retailers will donate, including all the big names like: John Lewis & Partners, BT, Ebay, Expedia, Argos, M&S, Tesco, Dunelm, Just Eat, Pets at home, Uswitch and many more, so you can support us no matter what you’re buying!

If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s easy and completely FREE.

Please sign up and help us raise more at:  https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/hearts-and-souls/

A link can be found in the bar under the header.

Please support us where you can or at least come and meet us and say hello and find out more of what we do at any of the public events.

Staff training includes ‘Physical activity and exercise in heart failure’ and ‘Working with psychosocial factors in cardiac rehabilitation’, both which will undoubtedly benefit patients going through the rehab programme.

We are also pleased to help with the purchase of new blood pressure monitors and finger pulse oximeter’s for use in the rehab department.

Please show your support and help Caitlin smash her £1,000 target by donating and leaving a good luck message on her JustGiving page – click here

All donations received by Hearts & Souls, will go directly to support the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust cardiac rehabilitation team to improve the outcome for recovering cardiac patients.

Link to original story – click here