Jonathan Enjoys Swim Access with Halo’s PoolPod

When Jonathan swims in the Halo pool there is a sense of freedom. That’s something a lot of swimmers feel as they glide up and down but perhaps take for granted. But for Jonathan it’s essential – a sense of liberation that is more than most of us can imagine.

Jonathan has been coming to Halo for over ten years and, during that time, has seen his primary progressive MS (or PPMS) create more barriers to physical activity. PPMS is a type of MS affecting about one in ten people with the condition and they see a gradual worsening of symptoms (without remission) and so ongoing decreasing mobility. Jonathan uses a wheelchair and has gone from getting into the pool via the steps, to moving into the pool with the help of the hoist and now – thanks to the new wheelchair Poolpod – can get in and out safely despite his decreased mobility. But when he’s in the pool he doesn’t need anyone or anything other than the space and serenity of the water.

“I can swim and I can do my stretches – if I tried to exercise at home I might fall and not be able to get up again. But in the pool, for one it doesn’t hurt if you fall, and also I can get upright easily. I can do all the stretches I need to – the water supporting my body weight.” And it’s this exercise to build upper strength – Jonathan uses front crawl in the pool – that helps so much at home. “It makes everything better at home,” he says. “Including how easily I can transfer from wheelchair to armchair, or into bed.”

But this isn’t just about physical therapy, he says, but rather a social experience that has a huge positive impact on how he feels. “It’s never a chore coming for a swim – just really fun and I always feel better, happier, when I leave. There are lots of things that contribute to that, as well as the access to the pool,” he explains. “The changing rooms are great and super accessible, and the staff are so friendly. I think when you have a disability you get to know the staff more because you rely on their support. And I have got to know them – people who’ve worked here for years. That continuity and camaraderie makes such a difference.”