Students help blind veterans get fit for life

Health and wellbeing boosted by exercise tips

West College Scotland students have teamed up with the Scottish War Blind charity to boost armed forces veterans’ fitness.

Paisley campus HND Fitness students have been working in partnership with Scottish War Blinded, in the Hawkhead Centre, providing personal training sessions to veterans who lost their sight either before or after service.

Eight students developed an exercise programme specific to each veterans’ needs and carried out these sessions once a week for 12 weeks.

There was a huge transformation both in physical and mental health of the veterans, with the combined group losing a whopping 62lbs between them.

Student Chris Doran, 28, from Paisley, worked with Michael Gray and said: “My client could barely walk when we started, but we worked closely and made some lifestyle changes, introduced weights and homework.

“Michael is now able to help his wife a bit more around the house and carry the shopping.

“He’s lost weight and his blood pressure and heart rate are down.

“It was a really enjoyable experience for me. I already personal train, but what’s been interesting is that I’ve been working with clients that have different needs.

“It’s very fulfilling. It’s been great getting to know new people, hearing about their life and how they want to improve their fitness and mobility.

“Michael’s change has been steady and progressive and we modified his programme as we went along.”

Michael, 66, from Paisley, said he thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.

“My mobility is poor. I can’t even mow the lawn now, due to my arthritis. I’m really up and down.

“Chris really listened, which was great.

“Even after the programme finishes I’ll definitely continue my exercises afterwards and practise at home.”

Student Sharon McKenna, 39, from Barrhead, worked with veteran Davie McGowan.

He said: “I’ve been doing gentle exercise and have done lots of walking. I’ve lost about 8lbs.

“I’ve had great encouragement and I feel good when I can see the progress.

“By week six, I could walk two miles without stopping and without Sharon’s encouragement and guidance.”

Sports lecturer and programme liaison Linda Boal said the aim of the project was to give the students some real-life experience, while also building relationships.

Scottish War Blinded’s Hawkhead Centre opened its doors in October last year and supports around 120 visually impaired exservice men and women.

Gillian McDonald, deputy manager at the centre, said: “The programme has been such a great success.

“The members were delighted to be involved in it, knowing that it was mutually beneficial to them and also the students taking part.”

By week six, I could walk two miles without stopping