Former Olympic swimmer Dan Wallace has backed a campaign to build a new hydro pool for a disability charity.
Capability Scotland will be moving to the Bertha Park campus in Perth – but it doesn’t have an accessible pool that residents and members of the public can use.
The charity says not having access to a hydro pool for physiotherapy sessions will have a major impact on the people they support.
Retired Team GB swimmer Dan is urging people to join his Swim the Distance challenge as part of a £600,000 fundraising campaign to build the pool.
He told STV News: “When I was here last, I was in the pool with the users. I was seeing what they get up to in the pool in terms of rehab, enjoyment, strengthening and lifestyle improvement.
“I was really able to see the joy the pool brought. It really resonated with me because pools have brought me a lot of joy in my life and I can see that from the other side of that as well.”
STV NewsHydropool therapy, also known as aquatic therapy, can help people with disabilities improve their mobility, reduce pain and increase their strength and flexibility.
It can also help with relaxation and self-esteem.
Activity and wellbeing co-ordinator at Capability Scotland Helen Johnston said: “It is probably one of the most important parts of therapy because it ranges from a lot of different benefits.
“They’re supported completely by the water. They can move around freely, and there’s the option of aids and things like that as well, so they have that non-restrictive movement in the water.
“The water also helps things like their muscle joints or if they have high tension muscles. it’s good for reducing swelling it’s good for circulation.
“When we do stretches and exercises it makes it less painful and make them a lot easier to do because they’re supported.”
STV NewsThe pool is more than just a place for treatment.
Carol Neill’s daughter Erin is also a resident at Upper Springland. The pool has enabled them to spend quality time together as a family.
Carol said: “We’ve gone in, the whole family and had a few fun sessions which she really loves. It is a really nice for us to do as a family that Erin’s included in, because that’s sometimes challenging for us all to do.
“I think in the pool, Erin just comes into her own and she enjoys it so much.
“We had water pistols and the music going throwing balls about and splashing her. She just enjoyed it so much.”
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