'I can dance again': How exercise classes helped me recover after a stroke at 92

A pensioner has regained movement, confidence and even the chance to dance again after charity exercise classes helped him recover following a stroke.

Active walker Keith Wilkinson, 92, lost movement on his left side after suffering a stroke just days after completing a hike along Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE).

The charity that he had raised money for is now helping him back on his feet through its Falls Management Exercise (FaME) classes, which are designed to improve strength, balance and co-ordination for people with low mobility.

Mr Wilkinson says the sessions have helped him avoid any further falls and given him the confidence to enjoy dancing once more.

The chair-based, standing strength and balance exercises mean he has has even rediscovered his love of dancing.

Mr Wilkinson said: “A week after my fundraising challenge, I woke up and my left leg wouldn’t work. I tried to eat breakfast but couldn’t eat properly. I was taken to hospital where I stayed for more than four months.

“After the stroke I had limited mobility and difficulty in walking. This was hard as I enjoy long walks and have done many treks since my wife died 18 years ago.

“Not only this, but I was also at high risk of a fall which could have been very dangerous due to the medication I was on. If I banged my head or broke a bone, I would be in serious trouble.

“I’d had physiotherapy through the NHS but read about WiSE’s Falls Prevention Exercise classes and decided to self-refer. Since starting the classes I haven’t had a single fall.”

Fitness instructor Kat Burgess teaches the class, thanks to WiSE funding her ‘Later Life’ qualification through Active Leeds. Classes are free, but a referral is needed to attend.

He said: “Thanks to these classes, I’m able to walk with a rollator – I’m making better progress than my consultant expected. My aim is to walk with a stick. I go to WiSE’s Silver Social every month – and now I’m able to dance without the risk of falling.

“I’m very pleased with this course - I believe these classes have helped ease the burden on the NHS – if it wasn’t for this I would have been at high risk of falling."

For those who would like to access falls prevention classes without referral, the charity has also launched a new class called Steady Steps.

The class, which is for older people who worry about falling or want to feel safer when walking, takes place every Thursday from 1.30pm-3pm at Boston Spa Village Hall. It costs £5 to attend which includes refreshments.