Charly has been swimming since she was a baby, even though her parents were told she probably wouldn’t ever be able to swim properly. The 13-year-old is now smashing her own personal bests and hitting milestones in the water – something her parents are immensely proud to see.
“We have always been parents that will never stop our girls from trying out things they wanted to get involved in. Charly used to watch her older sister swim each week and she so desperately wanted to try it too.” Lydia, Charly’s mum.
Born with a whole in her heart, Charly was extremely unwell from birth, but her parents have seen her build up her strength over the years, and she now uses swimming to continue to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing.
“After attending a couple of different swim schools, we have now found Aquarius Swim School where Charly attends the Xcel Leisure Centre, weekly. The staff are so great with Charly and treat her like the other students. Now swimming with teacher Ravi, she is progressing more than ever. He treats her the same as the rest of the children in her class which she likes.
It’s so important that as a young person with Downs Syndrome, she understands water safety and how to look after herself in the water. By attending Ravi’s classes, we have managed to find a way to succeed in that.”
Swim teacher Ravi Nakra seconds this.
“Charly is a very determined young lady, and she is doing absolutely brilliantly. We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see her make new records for herself.
I am always surprised by how much energy and confidence Charly oozes. I love teaching her here at Aquarius Swim School and she never fails to brighten the classes.”