A woman who spent three weeks in an induced coma has described how a leisure centre helped change her life.

Sheila Viner, who is 65, was referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) at Chepstow Leisure after being admitted into intensive care and spending over 11 weeks in hospital in 2020.

Sheila joined the MonLife scheme at Chepstow Leisure Centre following the advice from her physiotherapist and says the programme has not only improved her physical health but it’s also helped build her confidence.

The NERS, which operates across all 22 local authorities in Wales, incorporates physical activity and behavioural change to support people to improve their health and well-being.

"I was contacted by Claire who organises the classes, we had a friendly chat about my health issues, how exercise can help me with my personal health and what I would like to achieve to improve my day-to-day life. The exercises were for all different levels of health and fitness and fun to do.

"The classes have helped me enormously. I have gained strength in my arms and legs and my mobility has improved greatly. I can now walk without my stick most of the time and I can stand to cook my meals and cakes. I am able to go shopping on my own as my confidence has improved greatly."

Between 2019 and 2020, the MonLife referral scheme received over 1,200 referrals with 99 per cent of people able to increase their activity - resulting in 59 per cent having lowered blood pressure, 61 per cent improving their fitness and 46 per cent lowering their body mass index.

Face-to-face classes were halted during the pandemic but resumed in September.

Sheila added: "I have gained so much from these classes, my health and fitness has improved so much over the past few weeks and this has helped my day-to-day living. I have also met so many lovely like-minded people and I look forward to my classes every week."

Cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife, Cllr Lisa Dymock said: "We never truly understand how much of an impact schemes like the exercise referral scheme can make until we hear stories like Sheila’s. . If like Sheila, you have experienced a life-changing health condition or injury, please come and talk to our advisors or your doctors."

People referred to the scheme get access to their respective leisure centre’s fitness suite and swimming pool, access to all NERS/Fit4Life classes, 4,16 and 52 week progress consultations and a free kit bag and costs £16 per month.

Contact MonLife’s Exercise Referral Coordinator on 01633 644800 or be referred by a GP / practice nurse; physiotherapist or dietician.