WHEN John Pugh had a devastating stroke in 2011, he was left unable to properly use his right arm and leg.

But now the 67-year-old is fitting fit again and has managed to regain the feeling in the right side of his body after hitting the gym.

For just over a year John has been hitting the gym at Belong Warrington Care Village in Latchford, which is specially designed for older people, twice a week.

Through one-to-one fitness sessions with specialist instructor Sian Ryland at the Loushers Lane care home, John has seen a big boost in his mobility and strength.

In addition to regaining feeling in his right side, he has improved his mobility, balance, strength, walking and cardiovascular fitness.

John said: “I have been exercising in the gym with Sian with 15 months now and I feel that I have achieved so much.

“I feel much more confident in my balance, I am able to lift up my right arm and move it around and I have also started to regain feeling in the right side of my body.

“I feel that without Sian’s help I would not have achieved what I have or become a more confident person after having a stroke in 2011.”

Sian added: “Working as a fitness instructor at Belong is very rewarding indeed.

“I feel privileged to be able to make customers feel safe and protected, and it has been wonderful to watch their mobility, balance, independence, confidence and emotional wellbeing improve as a result of following an exercise programme.”