Cliff Thomas regains mobility through exercise

Cliff Thomas of Broken Cross, Macclesfield, has experienced life-changing benefits as the result of a personalised exercise programme at Belong Macclesfield.
Cliff was recommended to contact Belong by his neuro-physiotherapist after experiencing a stroke that led to ongoing problems with balance and mobility. His current exercise programme is delivered in the village Exercise Studio by Fitness Instructor, Barbara Tait, who won international acclaim for her 'Independence through exercise' work to support older people in Macclesfield.
Cliff Thomas said: "I began using the gym here about 14 months ago. We can have a joke while we're doing the exercises and I enjoy it, it's something to look forward to every week. I'd recommend it to anyone, I don't know what I would have done without Belong Macclesfield to be honest."
Cliff's wife, Diane Thomas, who is also a lifelong resident of Macclesfield, said: "By coming every week Cliff has gradually rebuilt some of the strength in his left leg, which was affected by the stroke. The stimulation from the exercise machines has really woken his leg up, allowing him to bend and move it where he couldn't before. This has made a difference to our quality of life."
Since he began using the Exercise Studio, Cliff also now regularly uses the village Experience Days service. This tailored alternative to conventional daycare allows Cliff to make use of facilities at Belong Macclesfield, such as the Salon and Bistro, and participate in social activities as part of the Belong community.
Barbara Tait, Fitness Instructor at Belong Macclesfield, said: "The benefits of regular exercise, tailored to the needs of older people, are incredible. Part of the service that we offer at Belong is to educate relatives about the value of regular exercise, because as we can see in the case of Cliff and his wife, if the people closest to us understand the benefits of exercise, then they can support us and help us to stay motivated."
On 2013, Belong Macclesfield won the 'Excellence in Ageing Services Award' from the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing IAHSA) for its exercise programme and gym facilities that help to promote independence and good health for older people through exercise.