The physio

Ann Richardson has been the volunteer physiotherapist with the club for more than 20 years.

Her involvement started out quite accidentally – it was a result of getting her first dog and meeting a fellow dog walker who volunteered at the Guildford Spectrum disabled swimming group. She asked Ann if she could spare some time to help out at the Farnham pool.

Ann said: “Twenty years later, I am so grateful I said ‘yes’ – what an incredible welcoming, friendly bunch of people to have had the privilege to get to know.”

From the outset she soon learned to gauge how much physio and advice each individual needed but it was clear the benefits of socialising and using the inherent qualities of being immersed in water can itself work wonders.

Ann said: “I do like to think any members can approach me for exercise guidance at any time.”

Although swimming is the end goal for some members, Ann says the positives from simply challenging balance reactions within the safety of water could not be underestimated. So the health and well-being gains one can obtain through regular swimming are, she maintains, quite significant.

Secretary Jenny Taylor said: “Ann has given a huge voluntary commitment to the local community through Swimability and we are so grateful for her professionalism, dedication and long service.”