Crawford, a 73 year old semi-retired Chartered Civil Engineer from Exeter, started attending The Gym at Westbank 7 years ago for cardio rehabilitation, further to a triple heart bypass operation in November 2018,

After finishing an initial 10-week Exercise Referral programme to gain confidence post-surgery, initially with a heart monitor, Crawford signed up for personal gym membership and now tries to attend twice a week with his neighbour and friends he has met at the gym, one of whom underwent a similar operation.

Crawford describes why he chose The Gym at Westbank to support his recovery, “The NHS offered gym attendance at RD&E or Westbank.  I chose Westbank as I found it more convenient to drive and easier parking. 

Crawford goes on to add “Westbank staff and facilities, in addition to a couple of NHS staff, were instrumental in my full recovery from a triple heart bypass operation 7 years ago. I gained total confidence in exercising my body and getting my heart rate up during the process to my long term wellbeing. It was also helpful meeting other gym attendees who also had had similar operations and we supported each other.  Otherwise, I would probably have led a sedentary life “protecting” my heart, which would have been the worst thing to do.  I have experienced a total change for the better.  I now go about my day as normal and seldom give my heart operation any thought”

Crawford shared his personal Westbank story with us on 5th November 2025, 7 years to the day from his triple heart bypass operation. He finished by adding “My comments are therefore “heart felt”. My gratitude and praise for the Westbank gym staff and facilities (together with key input from NHS specialist nurses) is immense as the positive impact on my life post-operation is immeasurable”.