A former electrician who underwent a successful triple heart bypass after suffering two heart attacks, is now helping other patients on their road to recovery.
Barry Collins (75) completed his rehabilitation at an ESNEFT cardiac rehabilitation clinic, based at Tendring District Scout Centre, in Clacton – after his operation in Basildon – and now works there once a week as a Trust volunteer.
There, amongst other tasks, he charts patients’ progress during their walk tests, recording how many times they can walk a certain distance in a set time.
Barry said: “It’s nice to be able to give something back and I am mightily grateful to everyone that helped me recover.
Volunteer Barry Collins.
“You get to meet patients from all walks of life, and I enjoy being able to help others. It’s something different for me to do.”
The clinic helped Barry recover and, as a volunteer, he can now share his experiences with other patients, having been on his own journey.
He said: “One day while on a walk, I had what felt like indigestion in my right shoulder. By the time I had returned home the pain had gone off.
“At a later time I was in the garden and my chest felt really tight. I went to the hospital where I was informed that I had suffered two heart attacks.”
Voluntary services coordinator, Lynn Rolt, said: “Barry’s enthusiasm and obvious good health and lifestyle, now, should be able to resonate with new participants at the exercise classes.
“The staff have been delighted to have him support them and, as a result of coming to the class, Barry has signed up to the local sports centre to continue in his recovery.”
Barry Collins with cardiac rehab nurse specialist Suzanne Giordano.
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