AN exercise group for cardiac patients has been praised by its users.

Salli Grant, who has been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years and is qualified in pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, started Happy Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise and Support Group eight years ago in 2009.

She wanted to offer her exercise regime to the community, where heart patients could exercise with like-minded people close to their homes instead of alone in a gym.

The group runs sessions throughout Wiltshire and Dorset for anyone suffering from a respiratory disorder, or who has had heart surgery.

It has now been extended to include people at risk from cardio vascular disease, including those with diabetes, obesity, hypertension and stress.

The programme benefits about 4,000 people a year, and is open to everyone, with members ranging from age 12 to 96.

In 2016, Salli won the British Heart Foundation Heart Hero Award for innovation in the rehabilitation of heart patients.

Happy Hearts is an avid supporter of the British Heart Foundation and fundraises on a regular basis.

The group recently received the BHF CPR Training Kit and now trains all members in resuscitation.

Geoff Stokes, aged 66, joined the group after suffering from continued angina.

He said: “As soon as I started to eat more healthily, lose weight and get fitter, the better I felt, although depression and anxiety continued for some time. I had some good days, some bad days. A bit like a roller coaster ride but eventually the good outweigh the bad.

“They weren’t just exercise classes but a time when people in the same position could talk about their problems.

“Today I’m a fit, healthy 66-year-old that works as Happy Hearts admin and support leader talking and encouraging heart patients to get fit and well.”

Jane Tait, said she “thought [her] life as [she] knew it was over” after she suffered a major heart attack in 2016.

“I would like to thank Salli and all the Happy Hearters for being there. I have a new-found love of exercise, thanks to the classes and the friendliness of everyone there.”