For Hughenden Gardens residents Brian and Beryl, hearing that Brian would never walk again last Christmas meant a heart-breaking festive season. Now, six months later and at nearly 89 years old, Brian is back in the gym and walking, thanks to Fitness Instructor Ty. Here, the three share Brian’s remarkable turnaround and discuss how fitness and commitment have helped him get back on his feet.
For Hughenden Gardens residents Brian and Beryl, hearing that Brian would never walk again last Christmas meant a heart-breaking festive season. Now, six months later and at nearly 89 years old, Brian is back in the gym and walking, thanks to Fitness Instructor Ty. Here, the three share Brian’s remarkable turnaround and discuss how fitness and commitment have helped him get back on his feet.
Brian
Hughenden Gardens Village
“At Christmas, a physio told us Brian would never be able to walk again after the multiple fractures, but now he’s up and walking again…his progress, thanks to Ty and the gym, has been amazing. He will be 89 soon and I bring him to the gym every day; Ty has changed our life.”
Beryl, Brian and Ty
Brian’s wife, Beryl, shares Brian’s story
When Brian had a fall before Christmas, we discovered he had fractured his hand, leg and ankle. A physio then told us Brian would never be able to walk again after the multiple fractures, but he’s now up and walking! He still uses his walker for support, but his progress, thanks to Ty and the gym, has been amazing. He will be 89 soon and I bring him to the gym every day; Ty has changed our life.
I asked Ty if he could come and see Brian after the fall, and he began giving him one-to-one PT sessions. As a result of his fractures, Brian had to sleep in a separate hospital bed in another room of our apartment. Now, after so much improvement and support at the gym, he is back sharing our bed. I’m over the moon. I could not be happier.
We both cried at Christmas after hearing Brian was probably never going to walk again, but he improved so much with Ty’s support that he slowly started walking back to his hospital bed from the lounge. Then he said, ‘I’m not going in that hospital bed, I’m getting to my own bed’, and he did, he walked right there. It’s amazing; I never thought I’d see him walk again!
Now Brian regularly works out on the TheraBike and the parallel bars. I have a bad knee, so I’m just there to watch and support him, but his mobility has improved so much. I am so pleased with Ty and the support he has given us, and I know he’s pleased with us as I bring Brian to the gym every day. I can’t fault the village; it’s been amazing.
Brian and Tyden at the gym
Fitness Instructor, Tyden discusses Brian’s fitness progress
What kind of difference have you seen in Brian since he joined the gym?
Brian was told last year right before Christmas that he wouldn’t be able to walk again following a mini stroke and a fall he had, leaving him with a fracture in his left knee.
At first, I saw him as my client for personal training, and he struggled because he wasn’t aware he had fractured his knee. I sent him to get an X-ray before I moved forward with his private sessions.
The X-ray came back showing a fracture, which explained why he couldn’t stand up. I am so proud to say Brian is walking today! He has improved so much that I have stopped his private personal training sessions because he is now coming to the gym every day with his wife’s assistance.
What does it mean to you to see residents thrive with fitness assistance?
It fills my heart with joy and gratitude to see them achieving things they already thought were impossible to achieve.
What kind of exercises did you do with Brian?
We use the parallel bars to help him build his confidence with walking on his own. We use the TheraBike to add resistance and build strength in his legs. We also use resistance bands to increase his range of motion and improve strength.
Why would you recommend residents join the gym?
Because they can improve their quality of life by feeling stronger and fitter. These later years can actually be enjoyable and much more independent if they have full mobility.
Do you enjoy what you do?
Absolutely! There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a big smile on their faces when they finish their workout, whether that is inside the gym or in the classes. I am humbly grateful for the amazing opportunity that I have been given here.
Other Stories
Moving to Hughenden Gardens marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for Pam, but for her whole family. Joined by daughter Rosie and granddaughter Rebecca, three generations share how making the decision together transformed Pam’s life and brought peace of mind to every generation.
Siblings Pat and Bill, who both live at Sunley Court, have found real comfort in being just across the hall from one another. Here they share what it’s meant to reunite in later life, how they support each other every day, and what they believe their parents would think about them living together again.