By Charlotte Webster-
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has introduced a two month swim session pilot for current or past victims of cancer . The pilot sessions which will take place at three leisure centres across the East Riding are aimed at uniting those sharing similar experiences in a therapeutic environment were they can swim together and relate.
The cancer swim sessions are designed to help people to feel comfortable and remove wigs or prosthetics which many sufferers wear to conceal their scars and swim with others who are in a similar situation to them without feeling judged or embarrassed. They are a brilliant idea for which the organisers should be praised. Cancer is a devastating experience that destroyed many lives and families, especially those who have lost loved ones to this awful killer.
Survivors of cancers are very fortunate, but still go through difficult emotional and psychological times dealing with the shock, fear and stigma sometimes attached to the experience. Those who have been given a prescribed time to live undergo a scary experience of sorrow including flashbacks and concern for those they will leave behind. Those who have survived cancer have to deal with the sometimes disturbing memories of the pain or fear that accompanied the painful reality of their ordeal.The organisers of this great event have shown a warm side of humanity that is priceless and greatly admired.
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Viewing windows around the pool will be covered for the swimmers’ privacy. Members of staff from the leisure centres have been trained as Cancer Champions, courtesy of the Cancer Alliance.There is also the opportunity for swimmers to chat and socialise with people in the café afterwards.
John Skidmore, director of adults, health and customer services, told The Eye Of Media.Com: “During the council’s cancer awareness project, we have heard comments from people who are unable to continue swimming due to their diagnosis of cancer.
“We want to try to break down that barrier for them and help them to continue doing the hobbies or exercises they love doing without restrictions. This is a great opportunity for us to extend and support for cancer sufferers and show them that they can still enjoy life in ways that none cancer sufferers do, and even greater in some ways”.
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