PMBH Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Carolyn Hamilton with Heart Health NSW President Doug Short and Dennis Bridgeland.
Hearty group of volunteers step up for PMBH cardiac patients
Dec 15, 2023Heart Health NSW volunteers have celebrated a highly successful year, where membership is growing, their walking groups are more popular than ever, and their support of Port Macquarie Base Hospital coronary patients is very much appreciated.
More than 60 volunteers gathered this week to celebrate 2023. Also attending were several special guests, Mid North Coast Local Health District Volunteer of the Year Max Heslehurst, and the man he shared his award with, Mike Storrier.
Both men have given almost 20 years’ service to PMBH’s cardiac program, that includes a support network for new patients and a buddy system for those undertaking their rehabilitation and recovery.
PMBH Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Carolyn Hamilton and Mid North Coast Local Health District Corporate Relations Manager Sharon Fuller, both honoured with Life Membership of the volunteer organisation, were also present to thank members for their contribution to cardiac patient wellbeing throughout the year.
President Doug Short said the group was always looking for more volunteers to fill positions in the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiac Care rosters, and thanked the latest three to join – Nathalie, Gill, and Beth.
He also thanked his fellow executive members, Vice-presidents Jim McClellan and Bruce See, Secretary Reg Wilkinson, Treasurer Ruth Comish, and committee members Liz and Bryan Gough, Adrian Lee-Archer, Nea Hosking, Traci Moore, Elaine Hallam, and Beth Marris for their hard work throughout the year.
To see more photos from Heart Health NSW’s Christmas luncheon, please click on the image below and scroll through the pictures.
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- Heart Health NSW committee member Jim McClellan (centre, rear) with fellow Heart Health NSW members at the group’s recent Christmas luncheon at Lake Cathie.
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- President Doug Short (right) celebrates with fellow Heart Health NSW volunteers at the group’s Christmas gathering in Lake Cathie.
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- Committee member Traci Moore (second from left) with Heart Health NSW volunteers.
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- Founding members of Port Macquarie Base Hospital’s cardiac support program, Mike and Cath Storrier. The pair were among a small group of locals who instigated the buddy program at PMBH, were responsible for the walking path at the rear of the hospital and instigated the walking groups as a way of “taking your heart for a walk”.
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- Executive committee member, Secretary Reg Wilkinson, with NSW Health Volunteer of the Year runner-up Max Heslehurst, who retired from the cardiac support program earlier this year after 20 years’ service.
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- Volunteers Bryan and Liz Gough received a thank you gift and certificate for their hard work in support of the executive committee and Heart Health NSW this year.
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- Max Heslehurst (right) with his Mid North Coast Local Health District Volunteer of the Year Award, which he shared with good friend and long-time cardiac support program volunteer Mike Storrier. Max went on to be NSW Health Volunteer of the Year runner-up at the recent state awards.