A Chester care village resident is able to walk again unaided and has dispensed with pain relief medication - thanks to a personalised exercise programme at Belong.

Tony Mulhearn lived in constant pain and had no movement in his back.

He was unable to walk upstairs as a result of fused lower vertebrae, as well as knee instability caused by a motorcycle accident over 40 years ago.

Doctors told the 80-year-old, that the only course of treatment was increasing amounts of pain relief medication, including morphine, leaving him feeling tired and confused.

Upon moving to Belong Chester, he asked the village's dedicated exercise specialist, Louise Warr, if there was anything she could do to help improve his quality of life.

The pair settled on a goal of Tony being able to walk without support by Christmas.

They began a programme involving twice-weekly one-to-one personalised training sessions, starting with basic exercises to improve core stability and strength.

Tony continues with his training programme and has progressed to building functional strength through more strenuous exercises (Image via: Belong)

Despite setting out to achieve his aim of walking without sticks in eight weeks, Tony achieved this in just five.

Tony was then set another goal: to be able to walk up steps so that he could deliver a reading at his local church, which he soon achieved.

Around this time, Tony found that he wasn't requiring as much pain medication, and he was able to gradually reduce the quantity of painkillers that he was taking until he was medication free.

His mobility continued to improve, and he can now walk into Chester town centre and go shopping on his own - carrying bags rather than walking sticks.

He said: "I used to think of myself as a disabled old man.

"This has completely changed my view of myself.

"I have got my life back, and I'm able to do more of the things I want to do, including becoming a more active member of the church community and joining in activities and events at the village when I like."

Tony continues with his training programme and has progressed to building functional strength through more strenuous exercises, including press-ups and pull-ups and incorporating weights.

He wants to share his story so that others are aware of the potentially life-changing benefits that personalised rehabilitation programmes can have for older people experiencing pain and a loss of mobility.

He added: "This needs to be shared.

"Without Louise, I would still be in pain and unable to stand up on my own.

Tony can now walk into Chester town centre and go shopping on his own (Image via: Belong)

"She is a true professional and remembers where you finished in the previous session, so you don't waste any time.

"The privacy offered by one-to-one sessions means that you can engage fully without feeling self-conscious. People need to know about this."

Louise said: "Many people who develop chronic pain and mobility issues think it is an irreversible part of getting older.

"Tony's case is testament to the potential of exercise to help people overcome seemingly insurmountable physical challenges and lead active and fulfilling lives when it is carefully planned and tailored to the individual's needs.

"It's very rewarding to see how far Tony has come in just a short space of time and the impact this has had on his life."

All Belong village customers have access to a specialist gym, run by a highly qualified exercise specialist who has experience working with older people.

Everyone who moves into a Belong village household for 24-hour support is assessed by the exercise specialist and offered a free personalised exercise or rehabilitation programme.

Members of the public and apartment residents can also access the services.