The Trust was proud to host the first-ever Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Patients’ Health and Information Day in partnership with the Derbyshire AAA Screening Programme on January 21.
The event brought together men from the local community who have all been diagnosed with AAA, an often-asymptomatic swelling of a major artery which, if undetected and ruptured, can be life-threatening. For many attendees, it was the first time they had met others living with the same condition.
The initiative, informally known as the “AAA Owners Club”, was created to provide patients with the opportunity to connect, share experiences and gain a clearer understanding of their diagnosis in a supportive group setting. Several post-surgery patients were also in attendance, offering powerful and personal insights into their own journeys.
The day also featured educational presentations from healthcare professionals outlining the types of surgical repair currently available, guidance on what patients can expect in the future, and practical health advice, aiming to ensure individuals are in the best possible condition should surgery be required.
With health and wellbeing central to the event, The Trust’s Olly Parkinson and Oli Barnes led a gentle chair-based exercise session, encouraging participants to take part in light physical activity designed to support fitness in a safe and accessible way.
The session was warmly received, with attendees embracing the opportunity to be active together. Helen Hearnshaw, senior AAA screening technician, praised the collaboration and impact of the day, saying: “Having an aneurysm can be a very lonely experience, as many men have never met another person with the same condition.
“Bringing everyone together allowed them to talk openly, compare notes and support one another. The facilities at Chesterfield FC Community Trust were fantastic, and the inclusion of gentle exercise perfectly complemented the health-focused nature of the event.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of attendees expressing a desire for similar events in the future. Community-based group initiatives like this offer enormous mental and physical benefits and should never be underestimated.”
The event was very well attended and highlighted the importance of partnerships between community organisations and healthcare services to support both people’s physical and emotional well-being.
Chesterfield FC Community Trust remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes and strengthen connections across the local community.
