Shirley's charity swim boost

DISABLED swimmer Shirley Lovick loves nothing better than helping those worse off than herself.

Born with cerebral palsy, she has spent her life raising money for others - and has just completed an amazing 16th charity swimathon.

“I love it - I really do,” said the plucky 70-year-old.

“I love the challenge and swimming is what I enjoy most.

“There are a lot of people worse off than me and so many good causes to support.”

Her latest swimathon at Deben Pool in Woodbridge raised £1,000 for Macmillan Nurses.

Over the years she has raised thousands more for a variety of good causes, especially those charities focussing on people with disabilities.

“People are very generous and so kind, but whether its pennies or pounds in sponsorship or donations it all helps,” said Mrs Lovick, of Deben View, The Avenue, Woodbridge.

“I really want to thank them all for their help this time and over the years.”

Encouraged and helped by her husband Rick, she began swimming at Leiston pool.

Her cerebral palsy means she has mobility and muscle problems down the left side of her body, but swimming is a great form of exercise as well as an activity she can enjoy.

“I love the freedom of the whole experience. I can travel to the pool in my disabled scooter and then once I am in the water it is great - I love it,” she said.

“I used to just swim on my back but now I am thrilled because I can swim on my front as well.

“I use my arm to pull myself along and do a sort of crab crawl. I have to put my face in the water nearly all the time but I am getting used to that now.”

She does the swimathon at the disability session at the pool, supported by a special float, and does about 40 laps in an hour.

Do you know someone else who has overcome adversity to help others? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk