Hazel has lived with asthma for many years and was diagnosed with COPD a decade ago. Hazel also broke her back seven years ago, leading doctors to warn her that she might become wheelchair bound. However, she refused to give up and persevered through a physiotherapy programme, supporting her to move more independently.
Despite experiencing constant musculoskeletal pain that “feels like toothache”, Hazel remains determined to not let her health conditions define her life.
HOW HAZEL GETS MOVING
Hazel has two great passions in life: her beloved dog and the joy of gardening. However, her breathing difficulties have made taking long walks more challenging. To adapt, Hazel takes her little dog on shorter walks around the block, aiming for four or five outings a day.
Gardening has always been a source of happiness for Hazel, but as her strength and mobility declined, she found herself unable to tend to her own garden. Her ability to dig or lift heavy objects was hampered, and she felt her connection to gardening slipping away. That was until she discovered the Greenhouse Project at Witton Country Park.
Together with her friend, come rain or shine, Hazel never misses the weekly sessions at the local gardening club. The Greenhouse Project has rejuvenated her love for gardening, enabling her to plant seeds, repot plants and weed the raised beds. With the support of handrails and a community of fellow gardeners, Hazel’s confidence and ability to navigate the garden’s slopes and uneven terrain have grown tremendously.
The Greenhouse Project is more than just a place to garden – it’s a community that fosters connection and growth. It’s a place where Hazel has formed new friendships beyond her usual social circle and embraced opportunities to learn and visit new places.
Reflecting on her journey, Hazel acknowledges her own tenacity but believes that having something to look forward to and the companionship of her friend have made all the difference and helped her overcome challenges, remain active and live independently.
RESOURCES
Learn how you can be more active
If you have a long-term health condition and want to learn how you can be more active, contact the Wellbeing Service at 01254 682037, visit www.refreshbwd.com or email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk