Tommy is a shining example of the positive changes that being active can make to your heart health and mental wellbeing. After suffering a cardiac event, Tommy faced significant emotional and physical challenges, including anxiety, mental health struggles and physical loss of strength, all of which led him to be referred to One NK through the Healthwise physical activity referral scheme.

Facing a new reality is never easy, and Tommy can attest to this as he struggled to adapt during his initial sessions in the cardiac rehabilitation programme. However, a shift in mindset and supportive coaches helped Tommy gradually get fitter, stronger, and more confident with each class.

After progressing to an individual exercise programme in the gym, along with swimming, Tommy then joined the over-50s sports session, taking part in badminton, table tennis, and other activities. His recovery reached a milestone when he reconnected with his love for music, playing his mandolin again.

His commitment to transforming his health was recognised, when he became a finalist for the Active Change Award at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2024.

Now vibrant and energetic, Tommy is a familiar face in the cardiac exercise class, where he regularly returns to offer peer support and encourage others in the over-50s sessions. Continuing to inspire those around him, whose suffering and struggles he knows all too well, Tommy’s positive spirit and determination have transformed his life and now help others to achieve their health goals.