Local MSP Brian Whittle was put through his paces during a visit to cardiac rehab group The Killie Heartmates recently.
The South Scotland MSP and former Olympic athlete was there to present the group’s leader, John Thomson with a Local Hero award. Brian recently invited John and his wife Sheena to attend the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebration, where each MSP was asked to nominate a Local Hero from their area.
Killie Heartmates was founded by John and others who had experienced a cardiac event, like a heart attack or bypass surgery, to offer keep-fit classes that help with rehabilitation. The group was established with the support of Crosshouse Hospital, later becoming self-sufficient and affiliated with the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland charity. Members join the group as referrals either from the hospital or their local G.P.
During his visit, Brian took part in the Heartmates class before chatting with members and presenting John with his certificate.
Brian said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Killie Heartmates again and present John with his Local Hero award. The work that this group does not only changes lives, but it also almost certainly helps save them.
Giving people who have injured their hearts access to a long-term source of rehabilitation not only helps them to make as full a recovery as possible, it also dramatically reduces the risk of future heart problems.
People like John and organisations like Killie Heartmates are unsung heroes and they deserve greater recognition for the contribution they make to improving people’s health and supporting the NHS.
I’m delighted to support them and hope they’ll continue their efforts long into the future.”
