by Anita Miller

Nearly three years ago, when I was 33 years old, I had a brainstem stroke, which has left me with a little paralysis, down my left side. 

I have been a client at the Beacon since I got out of hospital, which was about two and a half years ago.

At the end of last year Lynne Parsons gave me a voucher for one month’s free membership at Contours, Napier.  I started in January this year.

I loved it.  Everyone, including the other members was so friendly and made me feel at home, you get that warm fuzzy feeling when you walk in. The thing I loved the most was that their equipment was so easy to change with one hand.  It makes such a difference when you don’t have to ask someone for help.  I felt much more independent.

Jackie and Lynne, from the Beacon, decided to write in to the ‘Lucky Break’ magazine.  The have a ‘Win a Wish’ column where you can win money towards your wish.

So with fingers and toes crossed we waited.

Lynne gave me the news that I won $500.00 towards my membership and Karen and Christine, the Managers at Contours, Napier said they would pay the rest.  I was so excited.  I’ve never won anything before.  It is such a great feeling.

The article Lynne wrote about me was in the ‘Lucky Break’ magazine about six weeks ago.

I have been going to the Contours 3-5 days a week.  I got the Personal Training introduction package and Melissa, one of the personal trainers there has been working me hard.

The other week I walked up the stairs with one foot in front of the other like a normal person.  And Melissa has even had me on the cross trainer.  I haven’t done this since before my stroke.  I can’t tell you how good it feels.

I went to my GP last month and my blood pressure has come down a lot.  If it comes down any lower, I’ll have to go on a lower dose of pills.  Yeah!  This reduces my risk of having another stroke.

Also I had my WOF after two months at the gym.  This is where they weigh you, take you measurements, body fat and reassess your programe.  I have lost 11 cm all over.

A big thank you to Lynne and Jackie from the Beacon, Lucky Break and Contours, Napier.