I’m Rich and am a trustee and secretary with the GCRTF. I became a volunteer with the charity following a heart attack in 2019 and then taking part in the rehabilitation programme. This rehab helped me regain my confidence and motivation to carry on enjoying my life to the full.
This potentially life changing event then inspired me to become a counsellor.
The work of the rehab teams within the Health Board cannot be underestimated. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone who has experienced a cardiac event to get involved with the rehab programme. It is a privilege for me to be involved as a volunteer with this 40 year old charity.
What is your role on the committee?
Ex patient, trustee and secretary (emotional blackmail from BB).
How long have you been involved?
Since Spring 2021.
What inspired you to be part of our Trust and what does it mean to you personally?
It was an easy decision when I was asked by BB if I would be interested. Having the heart attack was huge. The help provided by all nursing and support staff following my issue was fantastic and provided me with the information, guidance and confidence to continue my journey on leading a normal and active life.
How do you feel your experiences help with your role with GCRT?
My lived experience helps in my understanding of what other patients might be experiencing even though everyone’s story is a little bit different. I have seen first hand what superb work is done by the people who deliver rehabilitation and the difference that makes to people’s lives.
What are your interests away from our charity?
Being semi retired I enjoy spending time with my wife, and when possible our adult children and their partners. We love a little bit of house and dog sitting mixed with breaks away, walking, golf and using the gym. Getting out and about and enjoying the odd night out is also important. I love watching sport especially rugby. Since retiring I qualified as a hypnotherapist and counsellor and now commit to this on a part time basis. I also help with the Jac Lewis Foundation at a mental health hub in the Principality Stadium.
What’s one thing you’d love to see our Trust achieve in the future?
Being a good example in helping similar charities achieve what this fund has done for over 40 years. Wider recognition and to raise awareness of how important (yet almost overlooked) that heart health is to us all.
If you could describe Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust in one word, what would it be?
Supportive.
What is your role on the committee?
I am privileged to be a Trustee.
How long have you been involved?
I feel very proud to have been part of the Trust Fund ever since the charity started over 40 years ago.
What inspired you to be part of our Trust and what does it mean to you personally?
As a nurse on the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital in the 1980’s it was clear to me that patients recovering from heart problems needed more support and a proper rehabilitation programme to help them regain their quality of life.
I had the vision and determination to develop a cardiac rehabilitation service, but not the funds! I was so lucky that Ron and Gaynor Colbourne committed to raising the funds that would make the vision a reality.
How do you feel your experiences help with your role with GCRT?
The heart is often viewed as the symbol of life and the thought that something has gone wrong with it can be very frightening. As a registered nurse with well over 40 years experience in the NHS I have had the privilege of caring for many patients and their families. This has given me a good insight into the things that make a positive difference. This helps me in my role as a Trustee to ensure the funds raised are used wisely and that the needs of patients are always at the centre of our decision making.
What are your interests away from our charity?
I’m very lucky to have three wonderful grandchildren who I see a great deal of. They are an absolute joy and keep me on my toes!
What’s one thing you’d love to see our Trust achieve in the future?
One of our aspirations is to help ensure that all those who could benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation programme have the opportunity to attend. This would be an amazing achievement and one that we will continue to work towards.
If you could describe Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust in one word, what would it be?
‘Caring’ – we care about the community we serve and want to make a difference.
What is your role on the committee?
I serve as the Ambassador to the trust
How long have you been involved?
I became involved in October 2025 after attending a meeting of the team and having carried out some fund raising after my heart attack in January 2025
What inspired you to be part of our Trust and what does it mean to you personally?
I have been inspired by the dedication to patients shown by all those involved with Cardiac rehabilitation. Having had a heart attack and faced the confusion and uncertainty that follows the service is critical to returning to a normal life.
How do you feel your experiences help with your role with GCRT?
Having experienced a heart attack and been through the rehabilitation program, knowing first hand what the service means to patients and outcomes gives me a unique perspective when talking with others about the trust.
What are your interests away from our charity?
Icelandic horses and travelling around the world to remote places.
What’s one thing you’d love to see our Trust achieve in the future?
Welsh government funding
If you could describe Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust in one word, what would it be?
Dedicated
What is your role on the committee?
I have a primary focus on fundraising because the charity have helped me and my Cardiac Rehab department without question and its good to give back so others can be helped.
How long have you been involved?
12 Months.
What inspired you to be part of our Trust and what does it mean to you personally?
The trust have given Cardiac Rehab so much support with equipment and courses for many years and I wanted to show appreciation for this by raising funds and becoming a part of the trust was never a target of mine but happened naturally through wanting to thank them and be able to continue supporting services.
How do you feel your experiences help with your role with GCRT?
Having been involved in some fundraising events I felt I could help add a new dimension to events being held.
What are your interests away from our charity?
Sport, mainly football, exercise, love my dog and listening to music as well as relaxing with a good TV show or film. Oh and a passion for all things superhero.
What’s one thing you’d love to see our Trust achieve in the future?
Security to support as many developments in CR as possible.
If you could describe Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust in one word, what would it be?
Supportive .
Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre
B Block, St Woolos Hospital
131, Stow Hill
Newport
NP20 4SZ
01633 238398
hello@gwentcardiacrehab.org.uk
