City coronary aftercare support charity welcomes Wolverhampton golden couple as new patrons

Hugh Porter and Anita Lonsbrough were officially announced as Patrons of the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group (WCASG), Wolverhampton’s only dedicated heart charity, on Wednesday.

The couple will now lend their influence and visibility to support the work of WCASG and its flagship project, Have A Heart Wolverhampton, a cardiovascular rehabilitation centre built in the heart of the city.

Hugh and Anita visited Have A Heart Wolverhampton on Wednesday, offering encouragement, inspiration, and support to patients, volunteers and rehabilitation staff alike, and their visit marked a special occasion for the group, who this year celebrate their 40th anniversary of providing vital support and structured rehabilitation to those recovering from cardiovascular events. 

Founded by heart patients and medical professionals, WCASG has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of people across Wolverhampton and the Black Country. 

The group’s Have A Heart Wolverhampton facility is one of the few independent, community-driven cardiovascular rehabilitation centres in the UK, bridging the gap between hospital discharge and long-term wellness. 

The centre is staffed by health professionals and dedicated volunteers who offer personalised recovery plans in a welcoming environment.

Hugh Porter, a former world champion cyclist and acclaimed sports commentator, shared his thoughts on the importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing through rehabilitation. 

He said: “The road to recovery isn’t unlike the road to gold.

“It’s about setting targets, trusting your support team, and believing in yourself.”

Anita Lonsbrough, Britain’s first Olympic swimming champion since 1924 and a pioneer for women in sport, echoed this message.

She said: “Being here today, seeing the dedication of the team and the courage of the patients, is a reminder that champions come in all forms.”

The couple spent time chatting with patients and members of Have A Heart Wolverhampton, touring the rehabilitation facilities, and applauding the commitment of staff, volunteers, and patients. 

Staff there welcomed the visit as an opportunity to highlight the essential role of structured cardiovascular rehabilitation in improving long-term health outcomes and reducing the risk of repeat cardiovascular incidents. 

Dr Ros Leslie, Vice Chair of WCASG, said: “We are truly honoured to have Hugh and Anita join us as Patrons.

“Their legacy of excellence, integrity, and commitment to the local community mirrors the ethos of our group. 

"Their support will shine a light on the importance of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation and help us reach even more people in need.

“As we continue to grow and deliver on our mission of supporting patients with cardiovascular disease on their recovery journey, promoting healthy lifestyles, and helping reduce health inequalities, we know that the backing of Hugh and Anita will elevate our work and inspire new connections across Wolverhampton and beyond. 

"We warmly welcome them to the WCASG family and look forward to the road ahead, together."