Former cancer patient from Hathersage helps recovering patients regain confidence through swimming lessons

Christine Wilkinson, 61, a lifeguard at Hathersage Outdoor Swimming Pool, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and received treatment at Weston Park Hospital, is holding weekly swimming sessions specifically for those affected by cancer.

The lifeguard was inspired to help others who wanted to regain their confidence and fitness levels after treatment after receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the regions dedicated cancer hospital.

She said: “Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise. I continued to swim throughout my treatment and it really helped me stay focused and maintain my fitness levels, despite feeling unwell and tired at times.”

She added: “Loss of confidence and physical changes after cancer treatments are quite common and getting in the pool in front of hordes of people is probably the last thing on patients’ minds. This is when my idea to hold sessions just for cancer patients, to swim alongside people in similar situations, where they could feel less self-conscious, came to light.”

The hourly sessions, which take place every Tuesday afternoon from 2.45pm, allow anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis to swim with others in a tranquil location in the Peak District.

For more visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk or call 0114 265370.