Diana
swims to success at Shirley Pool.
Diana Gooch, a grandmother-to-be
from Thornhill, has been congratulated for completing a 100-mile
swim.
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Diana,
58, completed her 100-mile swim in just under 2 years.
This achievement is more remarkable because Diana only
learned to swim 3 years ago, at which time she suffered
from crippling arthritis. She has also had three major
operations this year.
The staff at Shirley Swimming Pool held a special presentation
for Diana to celebrate her success. David Perry, Managing
Director, said “Diana was very nervous when I taught
her to swim and this is a wonderful achievement for her.As
far as I know she is the first person in Southampton to
receive the award, which is remarkable when you consider
that she was a non swimmer two years ago. She is an inspiration
to us all” |
The staff at Shirley
Swimming Pool held a special presentation for Diana to celebrate
her success. David Perry, Managing Director, said “Diana
was very nervous when I taught her to swim and this is a wonderful
achievement for her.As far as I know she is the first person
in Southampton to receive the award, which is remarkable when
you consider that she was a non swimmer two years ago. She
is an inspiration to us all”
Diana started lessons
at Shirley Pool after being advised by her doctor to begin
exercising and lose weight in order to alleviate her persistent
health problems. Now Diana swims 3 or 4 times a week, usually
about 100 lengths each time, although since the operations
she has had to take things easier. She has now lost over 4
stone and no longer relies on a walking stick.
Many
of Diana’s friends attended the ceremony, where
she was presented with a certificate and paperweight
from the Amateur Swimming Association to recognise her
outstanding achievement.
Diana said “
It has been a wonderful day, I am so grateful to my
doctor, Shaun my physiotherapist and David for giving
me all the encouragement to keep going”
Diana is now on her way to the 200 mile marker!
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Ron Mosney 81, who has recently learnt to swim
Back
to current Star Swimmer of the week
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