A Harrogate-based group set up to support people diagnosed with heart failure has celebrated its first birthday.
The group – Harrogate Pumping Marvellous – started after Harrogate resident Mary Mann was diagnosed with heart failure.
Mrs Mann’s condition can be managed with medication which she says has given her ‘a new lease of life’.
Mrs Mann’s experience spurred her on to help others when she discovered the Pumping Marvellous charity and started a Harrogate branch.
The group, which meets on the last Friday of every month at the Harrogate Chocolate Factory Café, provides an opportunity for people living with heart failure to chat, discuss their problems and share their experiences.
On its first birthday meeting today the group was joined by Andrew Jones, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Mr Jones heard spoke to patients and heard first-hand the issues they face.
Mr Jones said:
“Simply talking is sometimes an enormous tonic for people who share common experiences.
"That is why Pumping Marvellous is so important.
"It gives people a forum where they can learn from one another’s experiences and share how they have coped.
"And one year on it looks to be going strong. It was great to help them celebrate their birthday.”
Mary Mann added:
“Andrew learnt about how we cope with heart failure, our own strategies, medication and just the determination to keep going.
"Over a million people have a heart failure diagnosis in the UK but that isn’t the end of the story.
"There are many ways in which people can live well with the condition.
"Ensuring that happens is what Pumping Marvellous is all about.”
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