Jane Bridges

Cardiac Adviser

I was born in London, moving shortly afterwards to Colchester in Essex. My father’s work took me and my family around the country, settling eventually in Norfolk.

In 1990 I married my husband Steve, who was born and bred in Bury St Edmunds, (but didn't seem to worry too much about marrying an Essex girl!). We have two wonderful girls Rebecca and Katie, who are now teenagers.

I trained as a nurse at the West Suffolk hospital and I had several posts on a variety of wards, including orthopedics, surgical and intensive care. However my heart (literally!) lay with caring for patients with coronary heart disease, and heart related conditions. I undertook the coronary care course at the UEA, widening my skills and knowledge which enabled me to further explore the importance of health promotion, exercise and psychological support of both the cardiac patients and their carers.

I was offered the opportunity to become part of the cardiac rehab team where the knowledge I had gained on my coronary care course was able to be put into practice. It was evident that Upbeat was very beneficial for the patients and carers following the cardiac rehab programme and I was honoured to be asked to become one of the cardiac advisors for the group. To be able to have this continuity with patients and their carers is a privilege and a pleasure. The warm welcome, excellent exercise and support Upbeat provides is evident every time I attend on a Friday.

During my spare time, I work for the smoking cessation team in Bury St Edmunds at Moyses Hall on a Saturday morning which gives me another opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle. I also enjoy taking regular exercise, including swimming, running and when the opportunity arises joining in with a workout at Upbeat!