WHEN John Bell was diagnosed with the serious lung condition Emphysemia it was one of the lowest points in his life.

But two years after signing up to the district council’s ‘Exercise Referral Scheme’ John, from Cinderford, has his life now firmly back on track and his future is now much brighter.

His health has improved to the point he is now fit enough to tend his beloved garden again and he has the confidence to travel more widely.

“When I was first diagnosed I had several months of feeling quite depressed because my future seemed so bleak”, said John.

“During a routine visit to my local surgery, my GP told me about the ‘Healthy Lifestyles Exercise Referral Scheme’ and how it could benefit my condition.

“Following an initial consultation with a Healthy Lifestyle Advisor I was recommended to join the respiratory rehabilitation class at Mitcheldean Community Centre on a Wednesday.

“I started to attend the sessions in September and met people with similar conditions, and we’ve become really good friends since.

“It’s been just over two years now since I joined the scheme and I’ve found the benefits to be immense. I’ve only been back to my GP surgery once since, for a routine blood test.

“I can only say that the support I’ve received from the Exercise Referral Team and Dr Sandys at Dockham Road surgery in Cinderford has been excellent and I’m feeling far healthier and happier than I did two years ago.

“These days I’m looking forwards not backwards and my future is much brighter than it was a few years ago.”

Cllr Carole Allaway-Martin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Wellbeing, said: “John’s story is extremely heart-warming and it’s great to see the progress he’s made over the past two years with the support of our Healthy Lifestyles Team and the Exercise Referral Scheme.

“We’ve seen some fantastic results with over 2,750 residents joining the scheme to improve their health since it was introduced in 2005.

“To find out more information about the Exercise Referral Scheme speak to your GP, Practice Nurse or Physiotherapist.”