A COUNTY cardiac rehabilitation unit which was set up 18 months ago has launched a charity arm to help ensure its survival.

The facility in Evesham was founded by town councillor Gerry O’Donnell, who spearheaded a campaign to establish the unit in Evesham after experiencing its benefits first-hand.

He had been working on a fatal accident inquiry in Scotland when he suffered a heart attack in the final week of the investigation.

Once discharged from hospital, he discovered that a pioneer of community-based cardiac rehabilitation, Dr Hugh Bethell, practised in his local surgery and he was assigned to his rehabilitation programme.

Research has shown that those who suffer from heart problems, either from a heart attack or through disease, can find themselves more distressed and are often told to ‘take it easy’.

But Dr Bethell’s approach flew in the face of traditional practices by reasoning that as some of the heart’s muscles had been damaged, it was vital to build up the remaining muscle as the demands placed upon it would be greater.

Coun O’Donnell suggested the idea for a cardiac rehab centre in Evesham during a meeting with the Market Town Partnership in 2008 and volunteered to act as project chairman.

John Lomas, from Evesham Rowing Club, made a room available at the club, while the partnership provided money for equipment.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust also provided three specialist staff to deliver the phase three cardiac rehab classes.

To everyone’s delight, the classes proved so popular that instructor Steve Cooper felt more time and space was needed to fit everyone in and they were moved to their new location at Evesham’s new leisure centre in December last year.

Market Town Partnership manager Shawn Riley said: “It is part of the partnership’s remit to facilitate healthier lifestyles and this is one of the most successful healthcare schemes we have been involved with over the years. It is down to Gerry’s enthusiasm that it has been made to happen.”

The launch of the unit’s charity arm is to ensure the classes can continue to be held at the leisure centre as accommodation is no longer free.

A board of trustees has also been established to help raise funds to cover the new costs.

Speaking at the launch, Coun O’Donnell said: “Thanks have to go to the rowing club, but we have outgrown them now and this will be a more permanent venue.

“We are launching the charity because we need to raise about £3,500 a year, but we think we can do that within the community.”

Evesham Mayor Jim Bulman launched the charity. He said: “This scheme has been going for more than a year now and a great deal of thanks must go to Evesham Rowing Club.

“I hope those who are in need of this service hear about it and use it.”

For more information, call Coun O’Donnell on 01386 442886 or e-mail gerry.donnell@sky.com.