SWINDON’S hydrotherapy pool is planning an exciting array of fundraising events to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool was set up in 1979 and has around 100 people visiting every day, ranging from the elderly and infirm to pupils from local schools.

Edwina Styles, 62, from West Swindon, uses the pool at least twice a week and used to be part of the charity’s team of four employees.

She said: “It makes such a big difference, we need to fight to keep it going. The fact that it’s still here proves that its users think it’s a very valuable facility.

“I’ve got osteoarthritis in my knees and hips and it’s much easier to exercise in the pool’s warm water, which relaxes my muscles, and the buoyancy helps too.

“It’s an important part of my life, the staff here are extremely dedicated - you have to be really, and it’s so rewarding to see how people progress over the weeks.

“People come here for different reasons, but I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about it.”

The charity’s manager Neil Montgomery said: “We turn 40 in July so we want to do a whole year to raise money and hopefully we’ll be here for another 40 years.

“Helping people get through the day and stay active is as important as fundraising for us - we get people from Swindon and outside the area.

“For some people, it’s the only exercise they get.

“Luckily, we don’t need anything fixed at the moment, but after four decades, things will start to break and go wrong, so it’s vital to have enough money to pay for repairs just in case.”

First, Neil’s hosting an already-fully-booked cheese and wine evening to spread the word at Crowdys Hill School on January 22.

A quiz night is planned for February, a month of proceeds from the Sun Inn’s rock-and-roll bingo night will be donated to the pool, which will then host a summer swim fundraiser, and Neil hopes to get at least 40 people to run in September’s Swindon Half-Marathon and support the cause.

Finally, the Swindon Male Voice Choir will perform a festive concert to raise even more money for the pool in December.

Neil added: “I’ve been involved in the half-marathon for a couple of years, it’s a really good event and we want to support it as much as they support us. We are cramming in as much as we can to raise money and awareness and recruit volunteers.”