March 2010
By Karen Styan
One step at a time. Water therapy helps Izzy.
SEVEN months ago Izzy Bloom could not even stand up.
But thanks to water therapy at a local swimming club, the 10-year-old, who suffers from a rare condition known as Angelmans Syndrome, can stand and walk.
Volunteers at Tadpoles Swimming Club in East Grinstead support her and work intensively with her to increase her mobility.
"It has been absolutely incredible," said foster mum Serena Burtenshaw. "Every week Allan (group chairman) gets another idea of something to help Izzy."
Lingfield resident Mrs Burtenshaw took Izzy to Tadpoles because "she loves the water".
But thanks to water therapy at a local swimming club, the 10-year-old, who suffers from a rare condition known as Angelmans Syndrome, can stand and walk.
Volunteers at Tadpoles Swimming Club in East Grinstead support her and work intensively with her to increase her mobility.
"It has been absolutely incredible," said foster mum Serena Burtenshaw. "Every week Allan (group chairman) gets another idea of something to help Izzy."
Lingfield resident Mrs Burtenshaw took Izzy to Tadpoles because "she loves the water".
STEP BY STEP: Izzy Bloom can now walk from the changing room to the pool thanks to the Tadpoles in East Grinstead
But attending the group has seen Izzy taking her first steps and standing in the small pool.
"It was always my intention to get her walking," said Mrs Burtenshaw, who is hoping to get some specialist equipment at home to help with the challenge.
Izzy now walks from her ground floor bedroom at home to the front room - with a little support from her mum - and walks from the changing rooms at Olympus to the pool for her weekly sessions.
"She is having a really good time," said Mrs Burtenshaw. "She loves the water - she has a whale of a time,"
The Tadpoles Swimming Club meets at the Olympos Pool in East Grinstead every Thursday at 8pm.
As well as water exercises and swimming lessons for people with disabilities, water therapy is also beneficial for those recovering from surgery. For more information, telephone Allan Rees on 01892 770232.
Membership
Tadpoles pay a membership fee of £2 per annum and 50p each time they swim.THE TADPOLES currently have vacancies for new members.
If you would like to join us, please telephone Allan Rees, on 01892 770232 or e-mail:
info@tadpoles.info for more information.
