A determined amputee who was told she would never walk again is defying the odds, thanks in part to the help she’s received from our in-water, instructor-led Water Wellbeing programme at Eckington Active.

Tina (72) from Killamarsh has Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia – a rare cancer which cannot be cured, affecting the bone marrow and white blood cells.

She has suffered with the condition for 12 years, but last year was also given the devastating news that the artery in her left leg had failed and the limb would need amputating.

Tina, said: “I was driving one day and the next day I was in hospital. The artery just stopped working.

“I was numb at first when I got the news, but it was kind of you have your leg off or lose your life.

“I was in hospital for a week after having the leg removed.

“The surgeon said I’d never walk again, but I started walking only four months later.”

To help build up the muscles needed to hold the weight of a prosthetic leg, in March 2024 Tina was one of the first to attend our Water Wellbeing classes.

Adult and separate child sessions, which take place every Wednesday in the pool at Eckington Active, are aimed at those with injuries, impairments, long-term health conditions or anyone who just struggles to exercise on land, and the good news is you do not need to be a swimmer to take part in the adult sessions.

The class is carried out in the shallow end of the pool and consists of gentle everyday movements using the water as resistance. There is also the option to enjoy a ten-minute swim at the end, or for those less confident, to work with our instructors who will introduce you to some basic confidence skills.

Thanks to the support Tina received from the wellbeing team, in just over eight months she was able to develop the core strength and balance needed to walk correctly and was given a new high-tech bionic leg which will help her walk more normally.

She’s now able to do all the things she did before, such as driving and shopping trips to Meadowhall.

Tina has praised staff, saying they: “literally got me on my feet after having my left leg amputated above the knee.

“On the evaluation examination, the prosthetic team told me they hadn’t seen such progress in muscular development and balance in such a short time in years.

“This could not have been possible in such a short time, without the dedication, patience and kindness of Ann and her team at Eckington.

“I’m certain that there are many more people like me who would greatly benefit from the expertise as I have.”

Ann Lindley, a Swimming Instructor specialising in Aquaphobics and Disability Swimming as well as being an advocate for ‘Scuba Diving for all’ established the sessions after seeing how beneficial the water was for her own mum who suffers with a condition called Cerebellum Ataxia which affects her balance, co-ordination and speech.

Ann said: “There are very few conditions that stop someone from gaining health benefits by being in water and it doesn’t matter what the body shape is, what’s missing, what isn’t, the water is a great leveller.”

Tina’s sister Margaret, who joins in with the sessions too, said: “Everyone accepts everyone for who they are. There’s no discrimination.”

Ann along with co-worker Rebecca, who is also a swim teacher, is in the pool during these sessions. We offer practical support, encouragement and promote a feeling of social belonging with lots of chatter.

Tina says she was turned down by some centres because of her disability, before finding Eckington Active could cater for her needs.

Eckington Active has Swim England’s Water Wellbeing Accreditation, putting it in an elite group of facilities which are championed for their accessibility and inclusivity.

The centre has a range of equipment to help people with disabilities, including hoists and disabled changing.

No membership or referral is needed to join the Water Wellbeing sessions, but we will need you to fill in a medical form.

Visit our website www.justdomore.co.uk for more information about Water Wellbeing and all our facilities or give Eckington Active a call on 01246 217481.

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