Staff take the plunge to help with new pool

25 January 2012

Staff at The Children's Hospital are diving into fundraising this weekend by swimming the distance of the channel – in just six hours.

We are refurbishing the hydrotherapy pool at the Ryegate Children’s Centre following our incredibly successful Winter Ball in November 2011 and the Ryegate staff are keen to help too.

Frances Lace, Specialist Physiotherapist, said: “We want to raise even more money to help enhance this refurbishment. We want to provide special sensory toys and equipment, new towels, bath robes and anything else we can to make these important therapy sessions as beneficial to our patients - and their families - as possible.

“This is a huge team effort with therapists, family and friends all swimming as far as they can to add to the overall total of a massive 21 miles over the six hour period.”

The challenge takes place this Sunday 29 January at the Zest Healthy living centre in Upperthorpe, who have given the team free use of the pool.

Jo Roberts, Advanced Physiotherapist, is planning even more fundraising activities, including walking up and down the hill in Meersbrook Park 50 times wearing a selection of swimming costumes and other outfits.

“Hydrotherapy can help parents to cope with and support their children to reach their full potential and live a more fulfilling life,” said Jo. 

“Parents are often amazed by how quickly they see results. In some cases it means they can start to take their children to a normal pool or just get them to wash themselves without fuss, which can be a daily nightmare for some of our families.”

Ryegate Children’s Centre provides over 3000 physiotherapy, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy treatment sessions for children with disabilities every year. Each year over 200 new children, having been diagnosed with a disability, come to meet the team to start their rehabilitation. 

The hydrotherapy pool, which was built in 1963, provides a vital rehabilitation tool and sensory experience for many children seen by the therapy team and is used in the treatment of children with many different needs. 

Overseen by our Arts for Health programme, the refurbishment will also see the room’s artwork refreshed to enhance and support the therapy sessions, guaranteeing that families receive a holistic and fully positive experience.

To support the Ryegate Swimathon team, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/ryegateswimthechannel