Anya
In 2024 Anya’s whole world was turned upside down when her beloved Husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. Everything that she knew felt like it had slipped away in a moment. They had found their happy place in the beautiful area of Ayrshire where they owned a caravan for over 13 years. Here they made memories, built friendships and attended clubs. Sadly, without her Husband, this once special place just didn’t feel the same. Anya vowed not to return and made the very difficult decision to sell the caravan. With the now sizeable distance meeting friends and attending clubs was not possible.
During this time Anya began to suffer from what doctors suspected were reoccurring ear infections. She felt dizzy and her balance was off. Anya was prescribed anti biotic after anti biotic with no relief. With NHS ear, nose and throat waiting lists exceeding a year and feeling like more was at play she decided to opt for private healthcare where she underwent a range of tests. These tests revealed that Anya was suffering from Vertigo, Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease, characterised by a sensation of spinning or whirling, either of oneself or the surrounding environment, even when there is no actual movement. It's often described as dizziness, but it's more specific, involving a false sense of motion. Vertigo can be a short-lived episode or a prolonged experience, and it can range from mild to severe, impacting daily activities and potentially leading to falls. Alongside doctors Anya is still having a range of investigations and working to manage her symptoms.
Anya felt derailed and had an overwhelming sense of ‘what now?’. Anya sought support from VASLan who provided her with details about a range of community groups. One stood out for Anya, Care Club delivered by MorphFit Gentle Movement Project and funded by the Integrated Care Fund. This programme combined lifestyle advice, gentle exercise and socialising. Anya spoke with Ashley at MorphFit who told her all about the sessions and what to expect, speaking with Ashley made Anya feel at ease and excited about joining MorphFit.
At the time Anya knew she needed something, she just didn’t know what, she now whole heartily believes that thing was Care Club. She enjoyed the lifestyle talks delivered by specialists, which she found engaging and informative. After having to give up line dancing due to Vertigo, Anya has regained a real passion for movement through the accessible exercise sessions, even buying resistance bands to use at home. She was delighted to find that no matter what your ability, the friendly instructors, Cara, Nicola and Jamie are able to adapt movements. Even with her symptoms Anya is able to complete all seated exercises and finds the ball games particularly fun. She now attends up to 3 MorphFit sessions per week.
For Anya the sessions have been a welcoming, enjoyable and friendly setting to meet new people within the local area. Through MorphFit, she has really come to believe the saying ‘strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet’.
Although Anya is still navigating the great loss of her Husband and uncertainty with regards to her symptoms, she credits Care Club with giving her a new routine and a reason to get up and go. She feels energised and is grateful that this project came around when it did. Anya loves attending MorphFit and now can’t imagine her weeks without it.
“Care Club has made me feel terrific! Because of all that has happened, I felt like everything was wiped out. It came at the right time, it super and I love it”.
