THE first cardiac rehabilitation unit in Wales is celebrating 25 years of helping heart patients on their first steps to recovery.

The specialist unit, based at the St Woolos hospital in Newport, helps those recovering from heart surgery or heart attacks, with bespoke rehabilitation programmes.

The unit, which receives 700 referrals a year, splits patients into groups of 15, where they are put through a series of exercises ranging from jogging or cycling to lifting light weights in chairs, dependant on the patient’s condition.

Clinical nurse specialist (cardiology) Angela Knott, 48, from Rogerstone, who has worked at the unit for 22 years, said: “Working in groups allows them to encourage each other and gain confidence.

“I like working in the unit because it feels like you are really helping the patients to get better.

“It is not just the patching up which I had to do on the clinical side of things so there is a lot of satisfaction in that.

“Research has shown cardiac rehabilitation does help people recover to health quicker and stay healthier for longer.”

On completing the programme, patients can join one of around 30 community- based cardiac rehab and exercise groups across Monmouthshire and Gwent, all funded by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund, which was also set up in 1987.

The fund is also celebrating 25 years of its annual charity walk, one of its major fundraising events.

Ron Colbourne, aged 68, from Risca, founder of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund, said: “Our fundraising revenue was down last year, as was the number of people taking part in the walk, so we would really appeal to people to come down and join us on the walk or donate what they can. It’s a great day out.”

The walk takes place on June 24, at 10am, and runs from Pontymoel Basin in Pontypool to Goytre Wharf.

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund and its sponsored walk visit the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre, B Block, St Woolos Hospital, Stow Hill, Newport.