Swimathon to help hydrotherapy pool (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swimathon to help hydrotherapy pool

9:50pm Thursday 6th November 2008 in

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A WARM pool that soothes aches and pains is holding an annual swimathon to help raise money for its good work.

The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool has been open since 1979, helping patients with disabilities and injuries relax.

Everyone who visits the charity pool in Jefferies Avenue, Upper Stratton, has been referred by a doctor or the hospital.

Pool manager Paul Charlwood said the pool provides a community hub.

“It is almost like a social club,” he said. “A lot of friendships have developed here.

“When you have an illness, it can be isolating. But when people are exercising beside someone with the same condition as them, they can see there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“There are so many conditions that benefit from the use of the hydrotherapy pool.”

About 50 people are expected to take part in the annual swimathon tomorrow and it is is expected to raise about £4,500.

Even people, who can’t swim are joining in, as they plan to walk along the side of the pool.

Swindon Mayor Steve Wakefield is expected at the event and will cheer on amputee Gordon Foster-Blyth, who he has sponsored for a 20-minute swim.

And Swindon 105.5 community radio station manager, Shirley Ludford, pictured, is also taking the plunge.

“It is a way for people who use the pool and their families to get involved in a positive way,” said Mr Charlwood.

“It is not an Olympic event, as it is the taking part that is important. People can do as much as they are able to.

“Some people are handicapped and will be swimming five lengths in 20 minutes, which is the equivalent of someone else doing a marathon.”

The pool needs about £28,000 to £32,000 to operate every year and last year’s swimathon contributed £4,500 to the funds.

In 2007, about 28,500 swimmers used it to recover after such as losing a limb or suffering from myalgic encephalopathy or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mr Charlwood, along with assistant manager Jan Platt, have been working at the pool since its founding year.

“We have grown up and developed with the pool,” he said.

The event is due to take place from 9am to 2pm.

For more information visit www.thamesdownhydrotherapypool.com.