Patients at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust have been competing in their own Olympic-style games to help with rehab.
Staff on the Marsden Ward at Pendle Community Hospital, in Nelson, organised the medal event for patients on Friday, 6 February to coincide with the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics currently taking place in Italy.
The week-long event, full of fun and movement, was designed to support rehabilitation for stroke patients on Marsden Ward.
Opening with a ‘torch procession’ around the ward, cheered on by staff and patient’s families, the event was officially opened by Clitheroe’s Town Cryer Roland Hailwood. Over the week, patients were encouraged and guided by staff to compete in daily therapy-led games to help movement and reduce isolation by getting patients together.
Ward Manager Gillian Gelder, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what our patients achieved during our Olympic-style rehab games and how many willing sportsmen we had competing – the results were phenomenal!
“91% of our patients took part every day, with 28% of those who took part being able to stand, with support, for the first time since their stroke. We also saw 14% of those competitors no longer requiring a hoist for transfers, another 14% downgrading their specialist seating needs and 9.5% taking their very first steps, with support, since their stroke.
“But most inspiring was seeing those patients who had previously been disengaged from rehabilitation become eager to get involved.
“All the patients who got involved said it improved their wellbeing, so it just shows how powerful a fun, goal‑focused approach to therapy can be.
“This event was organised to remind patients that with the right support, anything is possible – and they all showed this to be true!”
The closing ceremony was celebrated with a local brass band playing while competitors were awarded with their worthy medals – looked on by Colne-born Paralympic athlete Gregg Stevenson, who won a gold medal in the mixed double sculls in the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.