We can work it out

LOSING a limb can have a devastating effect on the person affected. But it needs only a look at the Beijing Paralympics, which ended last week, to see how determination and passion can overcome disability and lead to personal triumph. Two Oldham men who each lost a leg have discovered how exercise can bring them a new lease of life. Keen to encourage other amputees to take advantage of the free scheme, they shared their stories with reporter Marina Berry . . .

BOB Henthorn and Andrew Davey swear by the benefits of their new-found hobbies — both on their bodies and on their minds.

The pair met at gym and swimming sessions run for amputees in a free scheme to help improve their fitness.

The kindred spirits were so impressed with the service, they put their heads together to come up with a way of promoting it, and drafted in the help of the Oldham Chronicle.

Bob (64), of Rosary Road, Fitton Hill, said: “It’s a wonderful service and it’s just not being used enough.

“It’s a superb gym, great pool, it’s free and we even get a £3 meal voucher.”

Temporarily confined to a wheelchair as he waits for an operation on an injured knee, Bob said: “I can’t believe the difference going to the gym and swimming has made.

“I have gone from strength to strength and it has certainly made a difference to my life.”

Bob lost a leg in a car crash 46 years ago when he was a teenager.

Lucky

But it was only at the end of last year, after undergoing an emergency lifesaving operation for an aortic aneurysm, that he found out about the scheme.

“I was very lucky to survive,” said Bob. “I was kept in a coma for 15 days after the operation to give my body time to recover.

“When I came round I was so weak I couldn’t even lift my arms up.

“I was fit before that, so when I heard about Manfit from my physiotherapists in Oldham, I rang to find out more and was invited to go along.

“I started going to the gym and the aquatics centre every week, and I have never looked back.

“I am now fitter than ever — my upper body strength is fantastic and it’s keeping my weight off.”

Bob explained: “A lot of people are embarrassed to go swimming or to the gym when they have limbs missing, but these sessions are for amputees only.

“Manfit is one of the best things ever. There is no embarrassment for any limbless person whatsoever.”

Bob’s new-found exercise partner, Andrew, is just as keen.

The 62-year-old found out about Manfit around 10 months ago from a fellow-member of the Oldham Amputee Support Group and decided to give it a go.

“It’s marvellous,” said Andrew, who lives with his wife, Pat, in Ravenside Park, Chadderton.

“I didn’t think it was possible to do what we do for free.”

He lost a leg to diabetes five years ago, after three years of severe circulation problems which made it difficult for him to walk and forced him to give up his job as a joiner.

He said: “I really enjoy both the gym and swimming.

“I also enjoy having a chat afterwards. It’s a good reason to get out of the house. It all maks me feel a lot fitter and better in myself.

Despite the opportunities, fewer than 10 people take advantage of the sessions. Bob and Andrew believe that is because people don’t know about them.

They are open to both men and women of all ages, and Andrew said: “Deciding to go to the sessions is one of the best things I have ever done.”

Manfit is a free service for anyone over the age of 18 who has a limb amputated or uses a prosthesis, and who has been discharged from physiotherapy in the Greater Manchester area. The scheme aims to help people improve their fitness, strength, stamina, flexibility and balance.

But it also offers a social side, with the chance to meet others in a similar situation, and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat at any of the sessions.

Gym sessions are held at Manchester College of Arts and Technology, in its brand new, high-tech fitness suite, under the supervision of two dedicated trainers.

They take place weekly at the Openshaw campus on Ashton Old Road on Fridays, from 10am until noon.

The machines are easily adaptable for anyone and the idea is to help amputees feel confident enough to take part in integrated sessions, although they can stay in exclusive sessions if they prefer. Swimming sessions take place on Tuesdays between 1 and 2pm at Manchester Aquatics Centre, which hosted the Commonwealth Games.

People can have a serious swim or just splash about.

Separate lanes are used for swimmers and non-swimmers, and a hoist is available for anyone who needs help getting in or out of the pool.

Plans are in the pipeline to extend Manfit sessions into the evenings for those who work, and to increase the type of activities to include such things as walking groups.

There are also plans to organise country walks and tours of country houses.

For more information on joining Manfit, contact founder Dr Margaret Tyson on 01457-854 604 or 07776-181 180.

Alternatively, visit the website at www.manfit.org.