Wellness Works for blind woman Judy

A BLIND woman from Stoke-sub-Hamdon is being helped to a fitter life thanks to a GP referral scheme “ Wellness Works” which guides her through her weekly workout at Stanchester Sports Centre.

Judy Watson, 61, who has been registered blind since the age of 20 because of a degenerative eye disease, has been taking part in the weekly supervised exercise sessions at the Stanchester Sports Centre in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, run by leisure company 1610.

Judy, leaves her guide dog Oscar at the leisure centre reception before exercise trainer Peter Head guides her through her personal exercise programme on the treadmill, cross trainer and bike.

She  attends one of two Wellness Works supervised exercise classes at the centre on Tuesdays and Fridays and says that it is great to be able to have access to a gym on her doorstep and to have the specialist help available to her.

“As a blind person it is incredibly  difficult to  get access to a gym and to  the right equipment and to have someone like Peter to act as my guide around the gym,'' she said.

''The bike has raised buttons which helps but Peter has been a great support with my programme and guiding me around the equipment. It has made such a difference to my quality of life and fitness and all the staff are very welcoming at the centre.”

Peter Head says that the Wellness Works GP referral scheme helps a wide range of people with a variety of conditions and disabilities.

''Stanchester Sports Centre is very accessible to disabled people as we have a lift at the centre and some specialised equipment,'' he said.

''Judy is progressing very well with the Wellness Works scheme which is also for patients who suffer from a range of health conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, angina, epilepsy, asthma, anxiety and depression.” 

The GP referral scheme and the supervised gym sessions will run every week on Tuesdays at 2pm to 3pm and Fridays at 10.30am-12 noon.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme should contact Stanchester Sport Centre Tel 01935-825261.

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