Shelia Airey has been attended swimming lessons for beginners at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre with fantastic results. Shelia is a remarkable lady who is approaching 80 years old with a real zest for life. Born in Bradford she moved to Suffolk six years ago to be near to her daughter. Despite having numerous medical conditions Shelia decided she would like to learn to swim.
Shelia believes that ‘your body is the greatest thing you will ever own – don’t lose it’. The lessons have had surprising results for Shelia. ‘Swimming is the best thing I have ever done. I never thought it would be such a wonderful experience which I have enjoyed immensely. I feel a different person when I come out of the pool. My body feels much lighter and my circulation has improved. Swimming eases all my aches and pains. I would like to inspire other elderly people to not sit about and sleep but to get up and move their bodies. If I can do it anyone can. As soon as my lesson finishes I look forward to the next one. It is lovely to be part of a class and to be welcomed by friendly faces. Swimming is not just about the exercise it is one of my favourite social events of the week. It really has opened a new door in my life. My three children and six grandchildren are all so proud of me’.
Shelia was taught by Sylvia Harrison and assisted by Alex Beckett after booking into the ASA funded lessons for beginners. Sylvia said “Shelia has such a positive approach to learning how to swim. Her positivity and bright and cheerful personality is an inspiration to others. It is very pleasing to see how much Shelia enjoys her lessons and she is so grateful for our help. Shelia is thrilled that she has learnt to swim”.
Since the ASA funded lessons have finished Shelia has wasted no time in booking herself into the ladies swimming lessons at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre. The Everyone Active brand at MSLC encourages and includes everyone to become more active.
The Primary Care Trust are funding four more courses for the over 60s to learn to swim for free. Courses start on Sunday 26th September and Sunday 9th January, the other two courses will be at Stradbroke Pool. Complete beginners and weak swimmers aged over 60, please contact Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre on 01449 674980 or Stradbroke Pool on 01379 384376 to book your place. A final note from Shelia ‘if you don’t use it you’ll lose it’.