My name is Fionna Henry, I am a NICHS service user and volunteer. I am not unique or remarkable, considering what some people went through during the awful pandemic we experienced. This is just my story. I have told my story many times, the first being in 2019 at the launch of the Breathing Better programme in Omagh. I have been included in a NICHS brochure, have spoken to the newspapers and a couple of pulmonary rehab classes and I’m delighted to be able to share some of my story here in From the Heart, in the hope that it will encourage you to sign up to be a volunteer too.
I’m very open about what I suffer from, in the hope I can help others. I have COPD, sleep apnoea, arthritis and about 12 years ago I had a mild stroke. As most of you probably know COPD cannot be cured but it certainly can be managed. That can be said about the sleep apnoea too.
I first came into contact with NICHS in 2018, after the completion of the NHS pulmonary rehabilitation programme, where I huffed and puffed my way through the exercise programme and struggled with my arthritic knees. I did enjoy the classes, but sometimes it really was an effort. If I hadn’t met Linzi (Care Services Co-ordinator) that day I would have walked away unaware of the benefits I could achieve. Someone once said to me, “you don’t look sick”- that’s a good thing. But in order to prevent the hidden illnesses coming to the surface, that requires work and effort, and I need all the help I can get, so NICHS programmes absolutely fit the bill.
In September 2018, I participated in the NICHS Taking Control programme, and found it to be so beneficial, and enjoyable. After completing the programme, I felt that I could manage my conditions better than I had in the past. The programme taught me to turn “I can’t” into “I can”. This is a powerful realisation. Taking Control has given me the courage and confidence to be myself. You get as much out of the programme as you wish to take, there’s no limitation to what you can achieve, but it’s not a miracle cure. When I was asked if I would like to train to co-deliver Taking Control as a volunteer, I jumped at the opportunity. I have co-delivered it once in Rouskey - then the pandemic hit. We all had to adapt to using Zoom, and I have delivered Taking Control twice on Zoom. If I can help one person with what I have said, I would be satisfied.
In 2022 I was asked if I wanted to volunteer at a Post Rehab Exercise Programme (PREP) group. I absolutely love this. You meet such a diversity of people. It can be very challenging, but at the same time it can be very rewarding.
I also participate in a monthly NICHS respiratory exercise group in Omagh. It’s such good fun. Not only am I getting exercise, but I get tremendous friendship from the group. Every day I try to challenge myself and do a bit more than the day before. Sometimes it is not easy, but I do try. I’m always endeavouring to learn more, do more and be as active as I can manage on that day. I am a work in progress, on a lifelong journey, but I’m trying, and with the help and support of NICHS, I hope to be around for some time yet.
As a volunteer, I give my time willingly, and I am in a position to talk freely about my experiences. I have a t-shirt, which I wear with pride. It’s very easy to speak with passion about something you believe in. I will gladly speak on this subject to anyone who will listen and even those who don’t want to listen!
What I like most about spring is daffodils! They radiate sunshine, and really gladden the heart. When they start to come out in the spring the world feels a much brighter place. I would rather have daffodils than roses, any day!
So maybe I’ll meet you on some of these lovely spring days, wearing your new red t-shirt proudly when you’ve signed up as a volunteer!
If you are interested in volunteering with us, please visit nichs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/volunteering to view our current volunteer opportunities.
