Lung patient helps open up new Air-ways

Date: 26/04/2012. Story submitted by: CarolineMc

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A 63-year-old who suffers from a disease caused by asbestos exposure has helped launch a new project to support people with lung disease living in South Yorkshire.

After also being diagnosed with a heart condition, requiring surgery on his arteries, Allen Hutchinson, from Chapeltown, was referred to Sheffield International Venues' (SIV) Exercise Referral specialist, Dave Birds.

Allen, a retired joiner, attended specialist gym sessions and group classes at the sports centre, and his now backing a new Air-ways scheme, designed to support others with respiratory conditions, including asbestos-related disorders.

In 2009, Allen was referred to Dave Birds and, after several months of specialist fitness, he is now fighting fit and his breathing is stable.

Allen, who is married to Kathryn and has two children, David and Louise, added: "The doctors are very happy with my progress. I owe a lot to Dave and the facilities at Concord. I not only enjoy the training, but enjoy getting out and meeting people with similar conditions and see them improve too.

Air-ways, which is funded by a £10,000 lottery grant, is being run by the Sheffield and Rotherham Asbestos Group (SARAG) in conjunction with SIV.

It launched with a special event at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre where patients had the chance to take part in chairobics, blood pressure tests and sign up for the free sessions.

Dave Birds said: "Allen is a great example of how structured exercise can really benefit people with medical conditions.

"For many, the thought of exercising and getting out of breath is a frightening one. Air-ways is about helping people to better understand these conditions, increasing their lung capacity and managing breathlessness through exercise."

Air-ways is now available at Ponds Forge and six-week sessions will then follow at Concord Sports Centre, Springs Leisure Centre, Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Stocksbridge Leisure Centre and Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre until January 2013.

For further information contact Dave Birds on 0114 2574426 or Paula Walker (SARAG) on 01709 360 672.

Additional info

Address: Shiregreen Lane Sheffield South Yorkshire S5 6AE

Tags: SIV, Concord, Ponds Forge, Dave Birds