Fresh start for fitness-fanatic Cliff after life-changing stroke

A MAN struck down with a illness is fighting fit again thanks to an expert exercise routine.

Cliff Thomas, of Broken Cross, began experiencing problems with balance and mobility after a stroke.

His neurophysiotherapist recommended he visit fitness instructor Barbara Tait at Belong Macclesfield, the community care village on Kennedy Avenue.

Now 14-months on Cliff and his wife Diane have seen a dramatic change in his mobility.

Cliff said: “We can have a joke while we’re doing the exercises and I enjoy it. It’s something to look forward to every week. I’d recommend it to anyone.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Belong Macclesfield to be honest.”

Cliff’s wife, Diane, agreed and said: “By coming every week Cliff has gradually rebuilt some of the strength in his left leg, which was affected by the stroke.

“The stimulation from the exercise machines has really woken his leg up, allowing him to bend and move it where he couldn’t before.

“This has made a difference to our quality of life.”

Barbara Tait, who has won international acclaim for her ‘Independence through exercise’ work to support older people in Macclesfield, is a big advocate of offering older residents regular exercise.

She said: “The benefits of regular exercise, tailored to the needs of older people, are incredible.

“Part of the service that we offer at Belong is to educate relatives about the value of regular exercise, because as we can see in the case of Cliff and his wife, if the people closest to us understand the benefits of exercise, then they can support us and help us to stay motivated.”