RESIDENTS who have suffered health problems are fighting back to fitness.

Thanks to a scheme delivered by council sport and leisure officers, over 180 sufferers have been helped on the road to recovery over the last six months in Ammanford.

Huge steps have been taken by those who have had strokes or heart attacks, cancer, angina, diabetes, emphysema and amputation under the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS).

The specialist programme is delivered from Ammanford Leisure Centre as well as Llandybie Memorial Hall, Llanwrda Village Hall and Ammanford Pensioners Hall.

Grandfather Derek Cousins attends Llandybie Hall and Ammanford Leisure Centre.

The 75-year-old said: “I’ve had two hip replacements which had an impact on my spine. Coming to these sessions has helped my recovery a great deal - I could only walk 100 yards but now I can do half a mile.

“These sessions not only provide health benefits but there’s also the social element to them.

“Working out has had a positive impact on my health and wellbeing and also helped strengthen by mental approach.”

Funded by Public Health Wales the scheme aims to improve the physical and mental health of client referrals with a diverse range of conditions. Patients need to be referred by their GP or hospital. The scheme offers around 80 exercise sessions each week at Actif Fitness centres in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Newcastle Emlyn.

The council’s activity coordinator, Simon Davies said: “If you want to improve your quality of life and the health of your family take the first steps by becoming active. We can offer you an award winning service with highly qualified and enthusiastic instructors that will assist you on your journey.”

For further information contact Simon on 01269 590266.