From being paralysed to completing NeuroFit “It’s been life changing” for member Maria.
Photo caption: Maria Burney has just completed the NeuroFit programme at Crewe Lifestyle Centre, taking part in the programmes weekly Circuit Classes, giving Maria purpose again.
On 9th August 2024, Maria, a nurse in the NHS for 36 years, life changed forever. She collapsed after months of hospital admissions for various neurological symptoms, paralysis, vision issues, chronic pain, memory issues, chronic fatigue FND.
“After suffering for years with chronic fatigue, labelled as depressed and anxious, knowing I was poorly but didn’t know why, I was finally diagnosed with a life limiting condition, a very rare condition named Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.”
The day before the results of her spinal tap, Maria was paralysed from the neck down “It was the most frightening experience in my life, and I did almost die.”
Luckily, Maria’s results came back and with a diagnosis, she could be treated, emergency medication was started, and she began to regain feeling in her arms.
Unable to walk, she was hospitalised for longer than she could ever imagine, however, following hospital rehabilitation, she was discharged home, walking with a zimmer frame.
“I was very unwell, but then after community rehab, I was visited by a Senior Support Worker, Savannah Steadman from the Mental Health Reablement team which is a service provided by Cheshire East Council who introduced me to the Everybody Health & Leisure NeuroFit programme at Crewe Lifestyle Centre.
If it wasn’t for her support at first, I wouldn’t have even known the programme existed, she was professional, caring and supportive during her visits and even took me to the leisure centre herself.”
NeuroFit is an exercise programme for those living with Parkinson’s, MS or had a Stroke, wanting to be more active. Evidence shows that physical activity improves quality of life for people with neurological conditions, improves walking speed and endurance, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. These physical improvements can help with completing daily activities more easily and improve overall quality of life.
The programme is delivered by instructors qualified in Level 4 Exercise for Long Term Neurological Conditions and consists of Bike Therapy, Circuits and Led Gym Sessions.
“At first, I was very disheartened, thinking if I cannot get out of the house due to extreme pain and chronic fatigue, how can I do a NeuroFit exercise programme. It took 6 months of gentle exercise at home until I was ready a year later to begin the programme.”
Maria describes it turned out to be the best thing she ever did in her recovery. Gaining confidence, meeting lovely people, cheering each other on, she didn’t feel so alone. Going from strength to strength, Maria loved the NeuroFit Circuit Classes.
“Gentle but challenging. I wouldn’t say I am ready for mainstream classes but far stronger than before. I never imagined completing this in a million years, but with help and support from Rachel and pure determination, I did it. I missed four sessions in total as I was hospitalised with a flare up of my condition but went back. Rachel will agree the hardest thing was getting through the door, it took 5 failed attempts, but Rachel never gave up on me.”
“Rachel Evans you are amazing, thank you for believing in me. I did find the sessions very emotional at times as it reminded me how “disabled” I’d become. But the best class coach was amazing, so supportive and encouraging. I would recommend this class, like I say it’s been life changing and for that I am so grateful it’s given me purpose again.”
Rachel Evans, Specialist Health Advisor at Everybody Health & Leisure shares
“As Maria said the hardest part was getting started, I was so happy when she attended her initial appointment. Maria’s aim was to improve her mobility, strength and balance. On attending her first session I could see that Maria was somewhat unsure and apprehensive, but she completed the circuit class successfully and had good interaction with others.
On completion, it was wonderful to see the change in Maria, the effort she gave to each exercise was brilliant, she was smiling and had so much more confidence. I’m just so glad that with perseverance and tenacity she feels like she has purpose again.”
You can find out more about Everybody Health & Leisure’s NeuroFit programme here or call the Everybody Healthy Team on 01270 685589.