Fundraiser will take plunge for new pool

Reporter: Rosalyn Roden
Date published: 09 June 2017


A MUM will take on a sponsored swim to raise funds for a new £2.2million hydrotherapy pool at Chadderton's Kingfisher Special School.

Jenny Barrett hopes to raise £1,000 by swimming the equivalent of the 4.2-mile distance between her home in Springhead and Kingfisher.

The funds will contribute to the school's outstanding £500,000 to build the "crucial" new pool as part of their Big Splash campaign.

Jenny's son William (9), who has autism, is a Year 4 pupil at the school and uses the existing pool which is 44-years-old.

Jenny (48) said: "The current pool is not fit for purpose. The new one will have a separate entrance so it can be used by children who do not attend Kingfisher.

"William loves the water and he loves swimming."

Jenny will swim 260 lengths of Chadderton Wellbeing & Leisure Centre's 25-metre swimming pool on July 2 in what she anticipates will be a four-hour challenge.

Hydrotherapy pools help ease the senses as well as helping with balance, strength, motion and social interaction.

The new pool will primarily support Kingfisher pupils who require hydrotherapy or access to a pool because they are unable to go to a local pool due to their special needs.

However, it is also hoped other children across Oldham who require hydrotherapy will be able to use the pool.

Director of business Michael Unsworth said: "We are still working incredibly hard to fundraise the £500,000 that will sit alongside the monies already pledged. Over the past 18 months, thanks to the help and support of many people and organisations across Oldham, we have raised almost £100,000 - however, we still have a lot of work to do to reach our target."

He added: "The pool is crucial for not just the school, but for the wider community in Oldham. The continued support of the whole community is essential in helping this project to happen.

"We are extremely grateful to Jenny for taking on this challenge."

He also thanked Oldham Community Leisure (OCL) for allowing the use of the pool on the day.

Residents are invited to support Jenny from 8am on the day.

To donate visit www.mydonate.bt.com/events/jennyswim/222531.