A MAN who found himself unable to complete a sentence without becoming breathless now feels “a million times better” after enrolling on a programme supporting people with Long Covid.

Dad-of-two Mark, from Acklam, joined the RE:Start course for those struggling with the after effects of Covid after coming down with the virus last July.

The scheme, which is run by Middlesbrough Council, has been nominated in the transforming lives category of the 2022 MJ Awards.

It has helped more than 100 people since launching early last year.

Read more: Covid-19: Hundreds of people being treated at North East hospitals

Participants like Mark have had access to tailored support from public health professionals as well as a group support network made up of others with similar experiences of the virus.

Civil servant Mark, 60, said:  “The actual having Covid wasn’t too bad for me.

“It was after that that my health degenerated. I went back to work but was clearly not right. My boss pulled me to one side and said you aren’t right. I didn’t feel as if I was there. I felt totally run down.”

After an initial two-week absence from work he then started to feel worse.

“I was more fatigued. I was more breathless. Every time I tried to speak for a sentence I would cough and have to stop what I was doing, which usually wasn’t much at all.

“I came close to dialing 999 a few times through breathlessness but never actually got to that stage.”

Mark was referred to RE:Start by his GP and was soon attending group sessions twice a week.

He has had practical support in the gym and last week was able to enjoy a walk on the beach at Saltburn.

Nicola from Skelton, in east Cleveland, credits the programme and her family with helping her navigate a “scary place to be”.

The 52-year-old senior manager described how her life as she knew it almost “stopped overnight” after suffering with breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, brain fog, fatigue and skin problems after testing positive for Covid in November 2020.

Nicola had to be stabilized at home by paramedics on one occasion and was admitted to hospital three times.

Previously fit and healthy, she had cycled 50 miles from home to Blakey Ridge and back on the weekend before she tested positive. Just weeks later Nicola found she was unable to walk to the end of the road without breathing difficulties. 

She is now making improvements and praised the programme.

“I can’t praise it enough,” she said.

“The team of Jordan, Dan and their colleagues have been second to none.

“They were honest and open from the start that they wouldn’t have all the answers but we would work through things together.”

RE:Start is a free programme designed by Public Health South Tees.

It is intended for those suffering from Long Covid symptoms, or for people at an increased risk of contracting Covid who may be expected to have a worse recovery from the disease – such as those with a BMI over 40, diabetes, coronary heart disease, or limited mobility.

South Tees Director of Public Health Mark Adams said: “The stories of Mark and Nicola are brilliant. We’re learning more and more about the issues caused by Long Covid but it’s really reassuring that there is practical help out there that can make a difference.

“I’m also delighted that RE:Start has been nominated for the MJ Award – it is definitely a programme that is helping to transform lives and everyone involved in designing and delivering it deserves huge credit.”

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