A COUNCIL-RUN lifestyle programme for people with medical conditions has helped one woman drop two dress sizes in 12 weeks.

Hambleton District Council’s Take That Step is a 12 week weight management and lifestyle programme for people with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory conditions, heart disease or obesity which can be improved by a healthier lifestyle.

One Hambleton resident, Debbie Bunn, who suffers with chronic arthritic knee pain, joined the scheme after being referred by her GP, who had advised her she needed to lose weight before any surgical procedures would be considered to replace both knees.

Through the scheme she lost more than two stone in just 12 weeks.

“I was extremely anxious as I had never stepped foot in a gym before and the image of a stereotypical gym user, compared to me was something that caused me great apprehension,” she said.

“However, my early anxiety was soon diminished during my induction session, where my instructor was very supportive, understanding and knowledgeable. I was then given a personal programme that suited my needs which focused on losing weight, as well as building muscle around the knee joint.”

She had regular check-ups with a health and wellbeing officer who also gave advice on diet and life outside the gym, as well as sessions with personal trainers.

The scheme now in its third year has received 914 referrals from health professionals in the Hambleton area. It consists of weekly one hour workshops and open access to gym based exercise, fitness classes and swimming activities.

For more information on the Take That Step scheme ring 01609-767241, email; takethatstepteam@hambleton.gov.uk or contact your GP or health professional to make a referral.