Following a stroke in January 2019, I have progressed from three physios assisting me to walk approximately 15m to completing Lochnagar and 4400 miles walking/cycling during 2020. Various physios and others have supported my rehab, but the key person has been Jenny. I recall my initial session, March 2019, at the time only walking short distances with a walking stick. Jenny’s enthusiasm, dedication, expertise, knowledge and bringing fun into the sessions was obvious from the start.

Jenny sets exercise routines and always encourages me greatly towards my goals, that we set together. These were not only focused on walking, regaining strength and balance but also getting me back cycling and hillwalking. Jenny is a perfectionist, during detailed reviews of my exercises, the air has been blue a few times!!

I resumed cycling with stabilisers, having lost my sense of balance. Having convinced Jenny the stabilisers were doing nothing, she had my spanners out and removed the stabilisers and said right off you go. That was the only time in my rehab I was frightened!! However, with my trust in her, off I went and soon I was cycling 20km round trips for my physio sessions. Typical of her dedication I used to have to call to confirm my arrival home safely!!

Jenny got me involved with the reformer and Pilates, both key in my rehab. I have progressed significantly with Pilates and have fun doing exercises that are beyond Jenny’s ability!! Last year we had an abs wheel reps challenge, there was only going to be one winner!!l. This competitive aspect makes working with Jenny fun.

Times have not always been smooth. Early days I could not accept I would not fully recover and other associated things. Jenny demonstrated significant patience and understanding during this stage and put me in contact with others to help get my mind refocused on my rehab.

End of 2019 Jenny believed I was ready to walk up Bennachie, within a few days I was there on top. Without all her effort and expertise in the previous 10 months this would never have been achieved as quickly.

Early 2020 Jenny highlighted we were into an area of rehab she had never done previously. For me, I was confident she, if anyone, could progress my rehab further. It made me laugh seeing Jenny being challenged at times, but she always reached a solution. During COVID-19 Jenny has ensured my rehab has continued via zoom and then outdoor sessions including some below zero degrees Celsius, dedication again.

Jenny is modest in what she has done towards my recovery. Having joined me and friends on my Lochnagar challenge I overheard a friend mention “so you are the key person in Willie’s rehab”. Her response “no he is the one that has done all the hard work” . That is such an understatement, I could do all the hard work, but without such professional guidance and dedication get nowhere. Bad news for Jenny, I am still aiming to further my goals!!

WILLIE LINKLATER, INVERURIE, 2021