Swimmers' salute to surgeons

Hermitage swimming teacher takes part in 5k swimathon a year after major brain surgery as thank you to hospital staff

A HERMITAGE woman who underwent major brain surgery a year ago took part in a sponsored five-kilometre swimathon last Sunday as a thank you to the team who helped her through her recovery.

Swimming teacher Helen Shilton and 27 of her students –aged between six and 76 – raised £3,500 for neurosurgical and
neurological research projects at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by competing in the event at Northcroft Leisure Centre in Newbury.

Miss Shilton, who teaches swimming at Northcroft, Donnington Valley and Chieveley,had decompression surgery for a condition called Chiari malformation, which occurs when the brain is too big for the skull.

The 45-year-old said:“I was so proud of everyone involved, not just the swimmers, but the way we all came together on the day.

“The event marked my first anniversary of neurosurgery at John Radcliffe Hospital.

“Personally, I just wanted to give something back to the team that gave me back so many parts of my life.

“Before the surgery I was experiencing blackouts and was losing the sensation in my hands and legs.

“Now, thankfully, I’m on the road to recovery."

She also thanked the parents who helped out poolside on the day, saying that the event would not have been possible without
them.

Miss Shilton added that she wanted to turn the swimathon into an annual event.

Northcroft Leisure Centre provided two lanes for the swimmers to use and some coloured hats to determine the teams.

The 5km swim was completed either as an individual or as a team of up to four members.

Miss Shilton has set up a fundraising page.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Helen-Shilton