"The practical and emotional support that always felt sincere"

It took me quite a long time to arrive at this point in my life. A long way down the road and carrying so much baggage, it became my safe place. So many years of not looking after myself and putting everyone else ahead of me. My weight blew up to a ridiculous level, menopause and all the gifts that comes with it, was very generous.

Then my rock bottom happened when my Dad passed after a short term illness that gave me no time to make things right! Flying to his funeral and having to use a belt extender was the icing, but the cherry on top was finding out a few days later I have arthritis in both knees. I decided I had to do the right thing for me and stop accepting 'the inevitable' and letting fear take my life from me.

Not wanting to opt for surgery, I agreed to physio, and eventually in August last year started attending the knee class at Crosshouse University Hospital. What a learning curve! Pain and how I was the one in control, was the best lesson I've ever learned.

The facility is excellent, from the equipment, one to one attention, the sharing experiences, the practical and emotional support that always felt sincere, genuine and relevant. I had my last session on 12th of January this year, and to say I was a little sad it was over, was an understatement.

I can honestly say, I have continued, throughout the classes, since my last one, and ongoing, I have, and will continue on this road indefinitely. This facility and the people are second to none, and I feel privileged to have been able to be part of it.

A special shout out to Wendy for her passion, patience, care and support. I still have a way to go, but as she says, it's a marathon, not a sprint.