Oxfordshire care home resident returns to pool after stroke

Val, from Penhurst Gardens in Chipping Norton, was able to take a dip at Chipping Norton Lido after an 18-month break following a stroke, with support from care home staff during the recent outing.

During the visit, Penhurst Gardens, part of Porthaven Care Homes, presented a £1,000 donation to the lido to help refurbish its accessible changing facilities.

Val said: “It was magical, I could move in a way that I had not been able to do for 18 months.

“I felt completely safe and supported at every stage of the journey.

“The people were so friendly and encouraging to me and it was such a social experience as well.

“I am looking forward to my next visit in May.

“Such a wonderful and positive experience.”

The visit included a tour of the lido’s newly refurbished facilities with Lido manager Liz Cooke.

Ms Cooke said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a completely modernised accessible changing room this season, with its own shower.

“The Lido has been saving for this project for several years and is grateful for the donations of individuals and groups, including Penhurst Gardens, who have helped to make our dream a reality.”

Penhurst Gardens home manager Lynne Elliott said: “For our residents, visits like this are about so much more than a day out.

“They create opportunities to revisit places that hold special memories.”