THE Examiner gave a boost to a community group which lends its heart to those in need of a little extra support.
Huddersfield Heartline formed nearly 20-years-ago to support not only patients who had suffered a heart attack but their loved ones too.
Last year they were given £900 in the Examiner’s Cash Giveaway which they described as a lifeline.
Pam Ciceri, secretary of Huddersfield Heartline, said that with rising costs, their £900 award had helped them reach out to more people.
They’ve produced promotional leaflets and cards to raise more awareness of the group.
Mrs Ciceri said: “We applied for some money from the Examiner and it’s really helped.
“We only charge our members £5 a year membership, so this has helped us print posters and cards which we can use to promote the group.”
Mrs Ciceri got involved with Huddersfield Heartline after her husband Alan, now 69, suffered a heart attack in 2001.
She said: “The shock is not something you can ever prepare for.
“If Alan hadn’t have had that heart attack I wouldn’t be doing any of this now, but having a heart attack is one thing – dealing with it is another.
“People are suddenly faced with their own mortality, I became very close to becoming a widow and that was not something I wanted nor was ready for.
“Luckily, Alan made a recovery, but it’s been with the help and support of others we’ve got through it.”
The couple are full of praise for the treatment Mr Ciceri received at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, but it was the treatment and care they received during his rehabilitation programme which introduced them to Huddersfield Heartline.
“My advice to anyone – wife, partner, family or friend – is if you can go to the rehabilitation programme then do go,” Mrs Ciceri added.
“It’s the only way to help you understand what the patient should and should not be doing.
“But for others they need more support, they need someone to talk to who understands how it is and that’s Heartline.”
As well as a newsletter, Heartline also has a website – www.huddersfieldheartline.co.uk.
Huddersfield Heartline was formed in 1990 by Dennis Goring, himself diagnosed with heart problems in May 1989, working with Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Kirklees Council.
Its aim was to give coronary patients the chance to share experiences.
Some of its original members are still involved and they’ve helped countless heart attack patients and friends and families over the years.
They hold monthly meetings and regular activities, including walking days, on the first Tuesday of every month at Lindley Liberal Club, which is open to all to attend.
