Free social swim for Chesterfield cancer patients
Residents in Chesterfield who are recovering from or have cancer are invited to take part in a new swimming session at Queen’s Park Sports Centre.
OutSwimming Cancer is a supported swim session that will take place once per week and is completely free to attend, thanks to funding from Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Lesley Rechert (right), a swimming instructor at Queen’s Park Sports Centre who organises the OutSwimming sessions, said: “Swimming is a wonderful activity for people who have experienced cancer – it’s fun, enjoyable and therapeutic.”
“Recovery from cancer can take a long time but swimming is really beneficial for the journey back to better health. It’s a great way for rebuilding your strength and confidence.”
“It can often be a challenge to return to swimming after suffering with cancer but quiet sessions like this aim to create an inclusive environment that is supportive as well as enjoyable.”
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are very proud to be supporting these sessions, it’s important that everyone in the Borough feels like they can pursue a healthy lifestyle and use our facilities for it.”
“It makes me proud that we can offer support like this to people who are going through such a difficult time in their lives.”
Lesley added: “A swim teacher will be available before, during and after the session to encourage, reassure and improve people’s swimming if they wish, so it is ideal for anyone who has had cancer and wants to start swimming or get better at it.”
Dr Ruby Osborn, grant officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “We’re proud to fund this scheme to help anyone who has or has had cancer to enjoy swimming in a supportive environment.”
“Changes to the body following cancer and cancer treatment can make it difficult to begin or return to exercise, so these sessions with a dedicated swimming teacher to guide people will make a big difference.”
The sessions start on Monday 2 March and run between 2pm and 3pm. Booking is not required.
Funding for the OutSwimming Cancer sessions is provided by Weston Park Cancer Charity with support from Chesterfield Borough Council. Swimmers must be fit and healthy enough to be in the swimming pool, please consult your GP if you are unsure.
For residents who are unable to attend the weekly sessions, a limited number of OutSwimming Cancer vouchers are available for free to be used at either the Healthy Living Centre, Staveley and Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Chesterfield.
For more information about the sessions or to book individual vouchers please contact: rebecca.truman@chesterfield.go.uk.
