A special event was held at Glenfield Hospital to honor a volunteer who has supported University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust's cardiac rehabilitation classes for two decades. Roger Latham has been a consistent presence at sessions held at the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine in Loughborough and at Glenfield Hospital since he completed the rehab program himself in 2006.
The Cardiac Rehab Service
The cardiac rehab service at UHL supports patients recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery, or following a diagnosis such as heart failure. The multi-disciplinary team includes nurses, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, exercise instructors, and cardiac rehab assistants. They help patients improve their fitness, quality of life, and future health. The service offers individualized exercise, education, and support, which is considered just as important as taking medication.
Roger's Journey
Roger's volunteering journey began after he suffered a heart attack in 2005. Following treatment at Glenfield, he was referred to the cardiac rehab service to complete a structured exercise program. It was through meeting a volunteer during his classes that Roger was inspired to give back himself.
Roger said: "The classes were really helpful for me. After you experience a heart event, there can be a psychological barrier to get over. You're not always sure what levels of physical exercise you can do safely. And so getting a prescription for exercise, and support to go through it in a structured way, gives people the confidence to go forward in their lives."
Roger's Role
Roger helps the team set up each session and joins in with warm-up exercises, but his key contribution is his ability to connect with patients through his lived experience. Roger, from Barrow upon Soar, added: "I just love the interaction and getting to know the patients. I chat to them, especially if they're new. I find that a lot of people appreciate the reassurance and the opportunity to talk to somebody who has been there and done it. The staff are great – I get on well with everyone, and they make me feel like I'm part of the team."
Celebration Event
UHL's cardiac rehab service arranged a gathering at the Secret Garden to formally thank Roger for his extraordinary contribution over two decades. Cardiac Rehabilitation specialist nurse, Eithne Heneghan, said: "Throughout an amazing 20 years of volunteering, Roger has served as an ambassador for lifelong exercise. Having walked in our patients' shoes, he approaches his role with a deep understanding of the anxieties a cardiac diagnosis can bring. He is often the first to greet patients with a reassuring welcome, and his presence brings a calm, cheerful confidence that is very settling for service users. We cannot thank Roger enough for his contribution over the past 20 years – he is irreplaceable."
Volunteering at UHL
UHL benefits from the support of hundreds of volunteers within its hospitals, who offer their time to help improve services for patients and visitors. Many different roles are available, ranging from meeting and greeting patients to driving buggies to hairdressing. If you are interested in volunteering at one of UHL's hospital sites, visit their website to find out more.
