A thank you from the heart

Himly Li

When Himly Li completed his cardiac rehabilitation programme, there was one thing he still wanted to do – thank the team who had helped him through one of the most difficult times of his life.

The 80-year-old grandfather from Sturry, near Canterbury, spent 10 days in hospital after a heart attack in April 2026. Back at home, he felt worried and alone. So when Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) called a week later to invite him to join its eight-week cardiac rehabilitation programme, he jumped at the chance.

He said: "Following my heart attack and subsequent hospitalisation, I was uncertain about what the future held," he said.

"The physical and emotional toll of my heart attack, compounded by the challenges of managing heart failure and atrial fibrillation, left me feeling depleted and anxious.

"It is no exaggeration to say that your programme has been the cornerstone of my recovery, and for that, I am truly thankful."

Thanks to KCHFT’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Service Himly received support to improve his fitness, rebuild his confidence and better manage his condition.

"I would like to express my particular appreciation to Kate, Penny, Denise and Mark," he said. "Each of them, in their own way, has been an unwavering source of support and guidance.

"Their patience in coaching me through every exercise, no matter how small, has been remarkable. I will never forget how they corrected my movements with such kindness and precision, ensuring that I not only performed them correctly but also understood why each movement was important for my heart.

"Their encouragement never wavered, even on days when I felt my stamina was flagging or my confidence was low. They stood by me, not just as instructors, but as genuine cheerleaders for my progress.

"Their belief in my ability to regain my strength gave me the courage to keep pushing forward."

Alongside the physical benefits, Himly said the programme helped him regain a sense of confidence and hope.

"Recovering from a heart event is not simply a matter of regaining physical strength; it is also about rebuilding a sense of security and hope," he said.

"The Cardiac Rehabilitation team created an environment where I felt safe to ask questions, express my fears and share my small victories.

"Their reassurance that setbacks were a normal part of the journey helped me to stay the course."

Himly also valued the support of other people attending the sessions.

"The group class was good for support from other people who have been through something similar," he said.

Reflecting on the difference the programme has made to his life, Himly said: "I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the NHS for offering this invaluable programme. Without this opportunity, I firmly believe I could not have regained my stamina and energy so quickly. The structured, evidence-based approach to cardiac rehabilitation is a testament to the NHS’s commitment to patient care beyond the hospital walls. It has given me the tools, knowledge, and confidence to manage my condition and look forward to a healthier future.”

Exercise Physiologist Penny Hammond praised Himly’s commitment to the programme.

She said: “Himly was a pleasure to work with and it was fantastic to see his progression throughout the programme. He initially started with a modified exercise circuit, using a chair for support and gradually progressed to a full standing circuit, where he was able to mobilise independently and without assistance. His consistent attendance and dedication clearly paid off.”