Balancing act: How musician Chris found strength in KCHFT's 10-week course

At 84, Chris from Dymchurch has lived a life filled with music.

A lifelong country music fan, he spent years playing guitar with three different country bands, touring Germany and performing in working men's clubs across the UK.

"We did a lot of gigs over the years," he said. "It was great fun and I have a lot of happy memories from those days."

Today, Chris enjoys a quieter life by the coast with his partner Heather, but in recent years he has faced a new challenge, problems with his balance.

It came on gradually rather than being linked to a specific illness or injury. Everyday activities became harder and Chris experienced a couple of falls at home.

"There were a few occasions when I lost my balance and fell," he said. "Luckily, I wasn't injured, but it does knock your confidence."

When Chris was referred to an east Kent KCHFT balance exercise class, he was keen to see whether it could help.

"The exercises were challenging, but they weren't overwhelming," he said. "They were designed so everyone could join in and work at their own level."

Chris attended the weekly sessions for 10 weeks and quickly found himself enjoying both the exercises and the atmosphere.

"It was very well organised, and everyone was friendly," he said. "I looked forward to going each week."

Although he says his balance has not fully returned, Chris believes the course helped him stay active and gave him techniques he still uses today.

"I'm still doing the exercises every day at home," he said. "The course encouraged me to keep moving and keep working on my strength."

Heather has been by his side throughout. The couple have been together for 23 years and Chris describes her as "an absolute diamond".

Living just a few minutes from Dymchurch beach, Chris would love to be able to walk longer distances independently again. For now, he uses an electric wheelchair for longer journeys but remains determined to stay as active as possible.

"I still do the exercises every day," he said. "You have to keep trying."

Supported by Heather, he continues to focus on staying active and maintaining his independence.

"I'm glad I did the course," he said. "It was friendly, well run and it helped me."