Swim 'wish come true' for care home resident, 92

14 hours ago

Julia Gregory,in Guildfordand

Patrick Barlow,South East

Barbara Nicolls, 92, was able to get back to swimming after a visit to a local swimming pool organised by her care home

Bupa A woman in a black swimming costume lowering herself into a swimming pool which is streching out behind her. She has short white hair and there is a carer in the water, to her left. — Barbara Nicolls, 92, was able to get back to swimming after a visit to a local swimming pool organised by her care home

A 92-year-old care home resident said dipping her toe back into the water at her local swimming pool had been a "wish come true".

Barbara Nicolls, from Guildford, said she was an avid swimmer in her youth and would often go to the Guildford Lido to exercise.

Carers arranged for her to take a trip to the Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom, where she rediscovered her love of the water.

Barbara said it had been a "long time", adding: "I never thought I'd get the opportunity to do it again. It was so lovely to be back in the water and I'm grateful to everyone who made my wish come true."

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, Barbara, who grew up in Guildford, said: "I really enjoyed swimming. As a small child I used to swim in the River Wey.

"I didn't do a lot of laps, I was on the edge of the deep water.

"I just got in and went swimming - it was a nice warm pool and we did some breastroke."

Barbara with Karen Hanley and Victoria Taylor, from the care home

Julia Gregory / BBC A woman sat in a large blue armchair. She is flanked by two carers and is wearing a purple jumper. They are all looking at the camera. — Barbara with Karen Hanley and Victoria Taylor, from the care home

Barbara, who lives at the Ashley Park Bupa care home, said swimming brought back memories of her older brother who was a "brilliant swimmer" in his youth.

Karen Hanley, activities coordinator at the care home, said the pool had a pod which lowered Barbara, which she stepped off.

She added: "After hearing Barbara talk about how much she had enjoyed swimming, it was incredible to see her in the water again and share that special moment with her.

"We are so proud of her and pleased we could make her wish come true and playing a part in giving her a day filled with happiness, reminiscence, and wellbeing."

Home manager Victoria Taylor added: "Age is just a number and I'm very happy that we made this wish come true for her."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.