'Truly inspirational' Corby cardiac health worker named a Rose of Northamptonshire

A Corby cardiac rehabilitation worker has been recognised for her 'inspirational' work for her clients during the pandemic with a Rose of Northamptonshire Award.

Alison Turiccki usually welcomed heart patients and those with underlying health conditions to her exercise classes at Lodge Park Sports Centre but had to switch online during lockdown.

Supporting up to 40 patients a week, her dedication to her clients shone through to her colleagues.

A spokesman for Corby Leisure said: "To say that we are proud of Alison is an understatement. Throughout the pandemic, rather than closing or cancelling our Cardiac Rehabilitation Service, Alison continued leading our cardiac rehab classes every week from her home throughout the whole pandemic.

"Delivering online rehab to high risk clients with two young children at home isn’t always easy.

"For Alison to be recognised with the Rose of Northamptonshire Award is a testament to how hard she works. The care, passion and dedication Alison offers the people in her care is truly inspirational.

"Her drive to improve Cardiac Rehab and the genuine love for the people in her care is amazing to see. She was born to support people with underlying health conditionals, it’s so obvious to see."

"You are changing lives everyday with this programme. We know a special thank you comes to you from all of your Cardiac Rehab patients over the years as well. The impact you have had and on so many peoples lives is unmeasurable.

Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation clients are being welcomed back into Lodge Park Sports Centre this week.

Kerry Purnell, North Northamptonshire’s assistant director for housing and communities, said: "Alison is one of a number of NNC’s employees who have been awarded the Rose of Northamptonshire for their service to our communities over the last year. She has been working on the Phase IV Cardiac Rehab programme in Corby for 10 years now and has helped support many of the 1,000 referral patients that have joined.

"Over the past four years Alison has been the lead instructor on the programme. Throughout the entire pandemic she has been providing cardiac support for approximately 40 cardiac patients, via online Zoom exercise sessions. She has also provided out of hours support for these patients, seven days a week.

"North Northamptonshire Council is extremely proud of Alison’s dedication to the programme and the care she has shown each and every person she has helped, she truly deserves this recognition through the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards.’