Cardiomyopathy Support Group - Inverness

A new cardiomyopathy support group is now active in the north of Scotland, organised by CMA member Maureen Semple.

Maureen, who suffered from restrictive cardiomyopathy before having a heart transplant in 2005, has set up an Inverness group.

The Highlands group next meeting is on

Sunday, January 29th, 2pm in the Crown Court Hotel, Southside Road, Inverness.

Guest speaker is Minty Duncan, cardiac physiotherapist

The first meeting was held on Wednesday 12th October at the Crown Court Hotel Inverness when the main speaker was CMA's chief executive Robert Hall who spoke on the CMAs services for affected families and on cardiomyopathy.

Maureen developed the condition as a child and had her transplant in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary when she was 49.

Earlier this year, Maureen attended the CMAs key contact training day and has now joined the network of volunteers who provide one-to-one support to others on the telephone or by email. She has also completed a COSCA counselling and listening skills course.

Posters about the group have been sent to hospitals and doctors surgeries in the area and local CMA members have received personal invitations. All others including family and friends are also welcome to attend the group meetings and to find out more about the condition and have a chance to meet others affected by cardiomyopathy in an informal setting.

Future meetings will have a varied programme, including speakers, often on a medical theme related to cardiomyopathy. Maureen also hopes that those who attend will come up with ideas for future meetings.

Maureen said " I am totally committed to setting up this support group and making it succesfull for all concerned."

For more information contact Maureen on 07919 341117 or email her at : m.semple252@btinternet.com