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May 2023

Last Updated: 11/05/2023

Health

New group to support heart failure patients in Harrogate district

by Vicky Carr

| 11 May, 2023

A Harrogate grandmother diagnosed with heart failure 18 months ago has set up a support group to help others in the same situation.

Mary Mann, who was 76 at the time, said she had been active all her life, but suddenly became very ill in November 2021.

She told the Stray Ferret:

"I was so ill, I couldn't do anything. I'd come downstairs in the morning and stay there – I could only crawl up the stairs at the end of the day.

"With heart failure, you have absolutely no strength. Until somebody tells you what it is and starts giving you tablets, you think, 'am I ever going to get rid of this?'

"I had been perfectly fit and healthy, but I had a chest infection and it all started from that."

Although Ms Mann was in her 70s, she said symptoms can begin much earlier for some people, including some women who can have heart failure after having a baby.

Fortunately for Ms Mann, a mum of two, she could be treated with tablets, and soon saw an improvement in her symptoms.

She will take the medication for the rest of her life and will have regular check-ups, but has been able to return to doing the things she loves: walking, gardening, and volunteering at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and with Harrogate in Bloom.

Grateful for her new lease of life, she began looking into ways to give back to those who had supported her and came across the website for patient-led charity Pumping Marvellous.

Ms Mann said:

"Pumping Marvellous asked me to be a patient educator.

"I was reading these people's stories. Some of them were so lonely. I've been very lucky, I've got a lovely family and friends, and a great cardiologist. Everybody has supported me.

"These people had nobody."

The former primary school teacher decided to set up a support group to offer heart failure patients the chance to chat to each other and gain support from others.

It will meet at the Harrogate Chocolate Factory Cafe on the last Friday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm, and is open to everyone – even those who feel they have good support at home. Ms Mann added:

"It's nice to talk about what's wrong with you without your family and friends glazing over and thinking, 'here she goes again'!"

The Harrogate Pumping Marvellous group will next meet on Friday, May 26 at 2pm. Anyone interested can just turn up on the day, or can email Ms Mann in advance if they prefer.

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New group to support heart failure patients in Harrogate district

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