A woman who wanted to help others after recovering from a significant car accident has been awarded for her voluntary work.
Michelle Johnson, a senior engineer at Caerphilly County Borough Council, was crowned winner of the British Heart Foundation Cymru’s Heart Hero Award.
The annual awards recognise and celebrate the contributions volunteers make to the fight against heart disease.
Michelle fractured her spine and pelvis in several places after a car accident, and had a long recovery in hospital and at home.
She now helps run the University Hospital of Wales Cardiac Rehabilitation Team’s exercise sessions for patients who have suffered heart attacks or had heart surgery, and also funded herself through an instructor course, establishing three extra classes which she runs despite having a full-time job and young family.
She said: “I’m delighted to receive the recognition and the award. It’s been an amazing few years working in the NHS and local community. I’ve met new friends, gained new qualifications and work with an awesome team of people.”
The judges added: “She is extremely popular with the patients and helps build their confidence following a life threatening event.”
Nice to see another volunteer receive an award for their efforts.
These people give up their time for free – and in this case it’s helping people to recover and reducing the burden on the health service.
Well done.