Shirley Pool Mum wins ASA Award

Mother of two, Vicky Lewis, has been selected by the ASA to receive an award for being one of the Top Swimming Mums in the country.

Vicky and her family will spend an all expenses paid weekend with the swimming stars from this year’s London Olympic Games at the Ponds Forge Complex in Sheffield.

The award is not for her prowess as a swimmer but for the dedication and determination she has shown in bringing her children, Ellena and Nathan, to swimming since they were babies. Suffering from Cerebral Palsy since birth, Vicky has difficulty walking without the aid of a stick and is in almost constant pain.

Despite these difficulties she has brought the two children to swimming lessons since birth and both have achieved remarkable results. Ellena (6) completed her mile at just 5 years old, is now in the Dolphins Swimming Club having mastered all the strokes and has just competed in her first swimming gala. Brother Nathan (4) is still working on his breaststroke technique but has swum the 64 lengths for his one mile award.

Accompanying the family to the Gala Dinner will be Grandma Appleton, who was often the extra pair of hands needed as the babies were swopped across the footbath to take their turn in the lessons.

Vicky was surprised to be nominated and shocked to be selected, “ I knew that David (MD Shirley Pool) had put the kids forward because of their awards but I was really surprised when they said they wanted me to go. At first I said no, but then changed my mind. It’s a great chance for the kids to meet the stars”

Shirley Pool MD Dave Perry had no hesitations,
“ I think Vicky is special, the changing rooms here are hot and very busy but she never complains, just battles her way through. She never lets on that she is in pain, I found out accidently from a conversation with her husband. Come school holidays she’s back with the kids doing Crash Courses – Nathan and Ellena love swimming and are really good for their age. I think Vicky sets a real example to other parents of what can be achieved if you are determined”

Vicky Lewis is one of three selected for the ASA’s Parent of the Year Award and she will find out who the overall winner is at the Swimtastic Gala Dinner in October.