Christmas Cards

The team at Respiratory Support Nelson, wish you and you family a safe and merry Christmas…..

  • Merry Christmas - From Deb 🎄✨

    Congratulations to everyone who has come along to our Better Breather Classes this year. Whether you are a regular participant or someone who just comes along when you can, your efforts are noted and appreciated. Choosing to exercise regularly is invaluable to your overall health and wellbeing, but it can also be challenging and just plain hard work. This is  even more so when you are managing a chronic lung condition, and I want to acknowledge the effort that you all make here.

    For those of you who haven’t exercised before, have a had long break or just to help you get through the next few weeks in the absence of our classes, I have put together a few ‘golden rules of exercise’ which hopefully you will find helpful.

    1. Anyone can exercise. Anything you do that moves your body a little bit more this week than last is a win.

    2. Lift something heavy at least twice a week. Utilise any equipment you may have at home (dumbbells, exercise bands) but also get creative. A heavy book, cans from the pantry, full water bottles etc can all be used.

    3. Progress slowly. Start with something you can comfortably manage such as a short walk and/or some light weights and build up gradually over time. Your body takes time to become fitter and stronger, so don’t make things too hard too soon.

    4. There is no “perfect technique” when exercising. Everybody is shaped differently and moves differently. The most important thing is that you are moving.

    5. Something is better than nothing. Every little bit counts!

    Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year and I look forward to seeing you all next year! 🎅

    From Deborah (Richmond Trainer, Better Breather Classes and Pulmonary Rehabilitation)

  • From Rosalie, Board Chairperson 🎄✨

    As 2024 comes to a close, I wanted to share a bit about what keeps me coming back as your Board Chairperson.

    First, a little about me. I’ve been married to my husband Patrick for nearly 44 years, and we have three amazing adult children who continue to make me proud every day. After turning 42, I decided to pursue my Bachelor of Nursing, graduating in 2004. I thought I would end up in a management role, telling people what to do, but I quickly discovered that my passion lay in working directly with patients, empowering them to achieve their health goals.

    While I loved working in the hospital, the long hours and red tape took their toll, so I shifted my focus. By 2018, I was working as an occupational health nurse, doing things like hearing and vision testing, vaccinations, and lung function tests. That’s when I became really fascinated by the lungs and their health, especially after seeing workers with lung issues.

    Since 2010, I’ve worked as a Practice Nurse, performing spirometry and referring patients to Pulmonary Rehab, and doing follow-up respiratory reviews. My sister, who had COPD and attended Pulmonary Rehab in Manawatu, showed me the difference it made in her life. She was so proud of her progress and cherished her Better Breathers classes, the friendships, and the support she received.

    In 2017, I crossed paths with Sue Alsop, and somehow ended up joining the Board— and I’m still here! Visiting your classes is always a highlight for me, seeing the smiling faces, the laughter, and the sense of community. It truly inspires and motivates me to be part of Respiratory Support Nelson. I’m simply doing my bit, and I love it.

    I’m incredibly proud of the work we do together, and none of it would be possible without our amazing trainers—Deb, Donna, Phillipa, and of course, Jess and John, who ensure everything runs smoothly. A heartfelt thank you to the board and our volunteers for all that you do. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.

    🎄Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!🎄

    Nga Mihi,
    Rosalie

  • A special thank you- From John 🎄✨

    As the end of another year approaches, it is inevitable that we look back on the year that has been and forward to the new year ahead. Highlights of 2024 for me were our name change to Respiratory Support Nelson and the new opportunities this has created, together with seeing the amazing benefit, enjoyment and satisfaction everyone displays from our many support programs which is a credit to the fabulous people we have running them.

    My sincere thanks goes to all our fantastic funders - both big and small - who, through their generous grants, enable us to continue our support work within the community. A special mention must go to the Rata Foundation who have not only supported us but have provided additional funding for a ‘community outreach program’ in 2025. This will enable us to bring new attention and detail of our support programs to a wide range of practitioners and organisations throughout our region. And I cannot finish without saying a huge thankyou to Jess for all her amazing work.

    I look forard to another positive and successful year ahead and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

    From John (Funding Coordinator, Administration and Support)

  • Christmas Cheer- From Donna 🎄✨

    Happy Christmas and most importantly, thank you for coming along to our Motueka Better Breathers sessions.

    I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you all this year, and hope to see you back next year.

    Believe me when I say that our sessions are mutually beneficial.  You all fill my 'feel good' bucket.

    🎅 And now for a Christmas Cracker worthy joke:

    Q: What do you call a snowman with a 6-pack

    A: The abdominal snowman!!

    From Donna (Motueka Trainer, Better Breather Classes and Pulmonary Rehabilitation)

  • Thank You - From Jess🎄✨

    It has been an absolute honour to witness the strength and determination of our class participants this year. Despite the breathing challenges they face, they continue to show up week after week, prioritising movement and exercise in their lives. Your resilience is truly inspiring.

    I’d also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board, John, and our talented trainers—Deb, Donna, and Philippa. Thank you for the time, energy, and commitment you dedicate to ensuring our services remain welcoming, safe, and effective.

    A special thank you to our wonderful volunteers, and to those who help with packing down our classes each week. Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.

    I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge those who have experienced loss, received difficult news, or faced health struggles this year. To anyone feeling low or going through a tough time, please know you are in our thoughts, and we are sending you our heartfelt support and care.

    As we enter the festive season, I’d like to share a little holiday cheer (and try to match Deb’s wonderful weekly joke!):

    "What do you call an elf wearing earmuffs? Anything you want—he can’t hear you!"

    Wishing each and every one of you a joyful, peaceful, and healthy holiday season.

    From Jess (Manager, Respiratory Support Nelson)

  • Sing Your Lungs Out- From Phillippa 🎄✨

    Sing Your Lungs Out (SYLO) has been running for about 18months now, meeting on Wednesdays in one of the Club Waimea rooms at 10am for an hour, ending with a cuppa and snack in time for the better breathers class right after.

    We have about 15 regular participants with about 12 on any given week. Our format is simple - we've built up four folders now of songs suggested by the participants - usually golden oldies from our younger days, and sing along with the guitar. We start our session with some gentle physical and vocal warmups focusing on breathing for singing then get stuck into the songs. A comment I have received is that those who come regularly are noticing that it really helps with the breathing.

    What I notice is that alog with the singing there is the growing confidence among the group - all of us have breathing issues and this is all about just singing for fun. The only conversation I ever have about this that makes me sad is when someone is hesitant to join because they believe they can't sing. My answer to that is you're probably mistaken, but more importantly, WHO CARES?! There's no audience; it's all just about fun, friendship, and helping our health along.

    Have a fabulous Christmas, and consider giving SYLO a go sometime!

    From Philippa (Musical Director, Sing Your Lungs Out Class)