Lunch Speaker: Brian Marsh, Humberston Park Hydrotherapy Pool

Brian Marsh, Deputy Lieutenant of Lincoln and holder of British Empire Medal (BEM), visited the Rotary Club of Grimsby on 22nd March 2017 to talk about his work on the Humberston Park Special School Hydrotherapy Pool Appeal.

Brian and his wife Betty have helped raise well over £1million to build and maintain a purpose built hydrotherapy pool for children with disabilities.  Brian explained the pool has tracking hoists to assist pupils with severe physical needs in and out of the pool and offers therapy both to those pupils attending Humberston Park Special School and individuals within the community who have a severe physical impairment and/or a medical condition.  The warm water used in the hydrotherapy sessions relaxes tight muscle groups and eases stiff joints – beneficial to so many of the children who attend Humberston Park.

Brian explained that Hydrotherapy is also fun and gives the children a freedom of movement only experienced in the hydrotherapy pool as well as the social interaction facilitated by close face to face contact. Trained carers in the pool work with the children one on one.

Brian and his wife Betty spearheaded the Trust Committee that raised funds to build a hydrotherapy pool through the support of local people.  The pool is managed by the Trust.

The pool – which cost £750,000 to build – was opened in 2007 by Sophie Countess of Wessex and Brian has helped raise an additional £30-£40,000 every year since for heating and maintenance.  Brian said "We need the appeal to continue because every week and every month of every year, there are children being born who need this facility to improve their quality of life.  We are a not for profit organisation - the ongoing annual costs of the pool are between £30,000 to £40,000 - heating, lighting and water all cost money and so we will continue actively to seek donations and raise funds.”

Following Brian’s address Stuart Falconer gave a vote of thanks.

For more information about the pool visit:

http://www.humberstonpark.org.uk/47/hydrotherapy-pool

Time can be booked in the evenings and weekends to join a session; this is available to anyone who meets the criteria for the use of the pool.

Please ring Donna Bell on 01472 590645 after 3.30pm or email belld@hpark.org.uk