By Mia Fisher-Howe on January 7, 2026
When Terry joined our pulmonary rehabilitation programme, he had already been through a lot. After struggling with influenza, pneumonia, sepsis, a heart attack and, eventually, a COPD diagnosis, even simple things like walking up a hill became difficult.
“It’s been a nightmare these past few years,” he said.
But he came willing to try something new, and that made a real difference.
Starting from home, with support from the team
Following our hybrid programme, Terry began with an in-person assessment to check what he could safely manage. After that he followed the exercise plan from home, joining the online sessions each week.
“I didn’t perform very well at the first assessment,” he said, “but as the programme went on, I could feel myself getting better.”
Terry mixed the programme exercises with things he could do at home. He spent time on his exercise bike, did gentle step ups and added walks when he could. He even kept going on weekends.
“I used to do a few of the exercises on a Sunday morning. It was going all right, and it was helping, so I kept it up.”
Finding a community from home
One of the biggest surprises for Terry was how much he enjoyed the online exercise and education webinars. He appreciated the clear guidance, but he also liked being part of a group.
“There were nice people on the programme,” he said. “Sometimes the session was meant to be an hour, but we’d still be chatting half an hour later.”
Terry even stayed in touch with a couple of people from his group. With the team helping to swap details safely, he has kept those friendships going. For him, that sense of community was a highlight.
“I preferred this programme to the gym I used to go to because it became a social thing.”
Keeping the routine going
Terry finished the programme in August 2025, but has since carried on with his exercises. He still aims to fit them in at least twice a week, adjusting them on days when his mobility makes things harder. He has also shared some of what he learned with his partner at home so they can learn more about their condition.
His advice to others
“Some of the exercises at the beginning can be a bit exhausting,” he said. “I used to lie down for ten minutes afterwards. But you get used to it, and by the end you enjoy it and see the benefits.”
His message for anyone thinking about joining is simple: “Go in with an open mind. I’d recommend the programme to anybody.”
Interested in learning more about our pulmonary rehabilitation programme? Visit our webpage where you can find out more or get in touch.
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