Sandra Haigh, aged 79, attends Lincs Inspire’s Wellness Hub twice a week and explains how much the service has lifted her spirits.

Sandra explains: “This place is amazing and it’s wonderful to know there is help available.

“In the last six years I have had a lot of health complications which have led to depression so I’m on anti-depressants. I have felt for a long time that I can’t be bothered. I can be at home and not speak

to anybody. I know that’s not good. I’m at the stage now that I know I must stop doing that.”

Sandra survived liver cancer six years ago. She also has a tumour on her spine, which is non-cancerous, has had a knee replacement and is awaiting a second one.

Coupled with these health complications, the lockdown period didn’t help Sandra’s mental wellbeing as she became more isolated and turned to food for comfort.

Sandra added: “The weight went on and once you put it on, it’s so hard to get it off again. The surgery to remove part of my liver has also left me with an unwelcome large hernia around my stomach, and my replacement knee has never been the same since. 

Although I used to love coming to the gym, I have not been able to do any strenuous exercise, so it’s been an uphill battle.

“The Wellness Hub’s power-assisted equipment is something that I can manage, and it’s certainly started to build the muscles in my legs. I’m hoping that when I’ve had the knee replacement, I may

be able to do a little bit more in the main gym. But first and foremost, I’m working on my mind getting into a better place.”

Sandra has been attending for over 3 months, initially completing the charity’s 12-week Active Forever referral programme.

More recently she has begun a second wellness programme through the support of the O’Flynn Foundation, also a charity who work in partnership with Lincs Inspire to support eligible members continue their wellbeing journey.

Jayne, founder and Trustee of the O’Flynn Foundation, said: “Covid did so much damage to people’s health. So many people suffered, it was a horrible time. But we are here to help people who suffer

with their mental health.

“There are so many schemes and such amazing equipment at Lincs Inspire that they are really helping to improve people’s lives.

“Not only is the equipment supporting Sandra with her health complications, but the social aspect of the facility is helping with her mental health. If you’re on your own, everything goes round in your head. It’s so important to get out the house, to meet people, to chat and connect. We’re so pleased to be supporting Sandra on her journey.”

Active Forever is a 12-week health referral programme supporting patients to manage their symptoms, recover or prepare for surgery. 

Two forms of activity are recommended per week, which

includes swimming, use of the gym, low impact classes or the power-assisted exercise equipment.

Visit www.lincsinspire.com/activeforever for more information or speak to your GP or health professional for a referral.

Although I used to love coming to the gym, I have not been able to do any strenuous exercise, so it’s been an uphill battle.