Jan’s Story

Jan has been accessing an exercise class at Peace Hospice Care since January 2024. She explains:  

“I have emphysema caused by a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. My diagnosis means that I struggle with breathlessness.  

“My health has been declining over the past year so my consultant recommended that I get in touch with Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.  

“After an initial assessment, they suggested that I sign up for a 12-week course of the higher-level exercise class that runs at Peace Hospice in Watford.  

“I’ve done about 8 weeks so far and I’ve found it very beneficial. We do different things each week – sometimes chair-based exercise, or standing exercise, some weeks we use equipment such as balls and other times we try specific types of exercise, such as tai chi.  

“I find the class great because everybody can go at their own pace. Everybody is there for different reasons and the exercises can be tailored and done at each person’s own pace. I like that the staff go through the exercises slowly and I never feel rushed or under pressure. It’s also good to know that if I miss a week, I can just add it on to the end of the course – it’s not a case of missing it and that’s that.  

“Everybody in the group is very friendly and welcoming – both the staff and the other attendees. The fact the class is so friendly means I look forward to going and get a lot from it. I often feel less breathless after a class than I did before it.”