The Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust Fund is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The charity helped fund the first cardiac rehab programme in Wales.
It was founded in 1985 by Ron and Gaynor Colbourne to help those who have experienced heart problems across Gwent regain their quality of life after a cardiac diagnosis.
Jill Evans, committee member, said: “Forty years ago, I was determined to bring cardiac rehab to Wales having witnessed it first hand at St. George’s Hospital in London. The improvement in the patients really sold it to me as I was seeing the difference this approach was making to their recovery.
“All I needed now was some dedicated fundraising expertise – and in came Ron and Gaynor.
“Through their tireless support through various fundraising escapades, we managed to persuade St Woolos’s Cardiac Dept to take a chance on this innovative and groundbreaking approach – and 40 years on our rehab service has now set the standard for similar cardiac programmes accepted and replicated all over Wales and the UK.”
‘Willing to get stuck in’
Gaynor Colbourne said: “I was clerk on our coronary care unit when Jill approached me and I was totally sold on the idea. Ron and I had fundraising experience so we were more than willing to get stuck in.”
She added: “I’m enormously proud that the fundraising efforts Ron and I started all those years ago, are continuing to this day. In the early days, we used to take part in all sorts of crazy fundraising stunts. Many of our supporters now run marathons, hold coffee mornings and organise bucket collections, but we really don’t mind how people raise money to help us – within reason of course.”
Jill continued: “The rehab programme and Trust will always be very much a family affair, with great support from patients’ husbands, wives, partners, and children.
“They are alongside us every step of the way, which means the trust and rehab programme continues to go from strength to strength.”
The charity supports hospital and community-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes – a vital part of the recovery process for both patients and family.
The money raised by the charity promotes cardiac rehabilitation at sites including Pontypool’s County Hospital, Abergavenny’s Nevill Hall Hospital, Newport’s St. Woolos Hospital, and the local community.
‘Vital part of the recovery process’
Brian Begg, the current chair, said: “Cardiac rehab is a vital part of the recovery process for both patients and family. The charity helps support a wide range of cardiac rehab initiatives in the Torfaen, Newport, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire areas, such as grants to local community groups, support for trainers to receive qualifications enabling them to work with cardiac patients, equipment for groups, up to date specialised training for nurses and sponsoring important research.
“Ultimately, we’re helping those who have experienced heart problems regain quality of life after a cardiac diagnosis.”
Donate to the Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust Fund
📝 Donate to the charity through its JustGiving page.
Find out more through the charity’s website.