Tom Byrne

Kate Byrne had always been a keen sea swimmer, completing the Bournemouth Pier to Pier challenge many times. Her husband Tom, dutifully held the towel and flask, waiting on the beach every year for Kate to finish.

Encouraged by Kate, Tom took the plunge and signed up for weekly lessons at Shirley Pool. Her’s what he has to say:

‘I could swim, but, not very well and mainly Breaststroke.

Having damaged my knee Kate suggested I learn to swim properly for exercise and recommended Shirley Pool.

I started to learn with Phil (excellent teacher and a good laugh too!)

Signing up for classes gave me a better sense of commitment

After 5 months (March 2015) a knee replacement was needed.

Three months later, starting back was hard work,  but by Christmas I felt I needed a bit of a challenge.

Phil & Jo agreed a trial with the advanced class and Kate signed me up for the 2016 Bournemouth Pier to Pier. I certainly had a challenge now!

With a lot of encouragement from Jo, Phil and some of the other swimmers. I am glad to say that this year, at the age of 60 1/2 I swam the Pier to Pier and have the medal to prove it!’

Tom is a Shirley Pool Star Swimmer. Well done.