Stroke Survivor Returns to Chipping Norton Lido Thanks to Community Support

A much-loved local swimming spot became the setting for a heartwarming homecoming recently, as a resident from Penhurst Gardens Care Home returned to the water for the first time since suffering a stroke.

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Val, a resident at Penhurst Gardens Care Home, made an emotional visit back to Chipping Norton Lido, a place she had enjoyed regularly before her stroke left her unable to swim for the past 18 months.

Supported by staff from the care home and the Lido team, Val was able to re-enter the pool in what she described as a “magical” experience.

“It was magical, I could move in a way that I had not been able to do for 18 months,” said Val. “I felt completely safe and supported at every stage of the journey. The people were so friendly and encouraging to me and it was such a social experience as well. I am looking forward to my next visit in May. Such a wonderful and positive experience.”

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The visit marked not only a personal milestone for Val, but also highlighted the importance of accessibility and community partnerships in helping people reconnect with activities they love.

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During the visit, Penhurst Gardens, part of Porthaven Care Homes, presented a £1,000 sponsorship cheque to the Lido to support the refurbishment of its accessible changing facilities.

The improvements include a newly modernised accessible changing room with a dedicated shower and disabled hoist, making outdoor swimming safer and more comfortable for visitors with mobility needs.

Val was joined on the day by fellow resident Iris, home manager Lynne Elliott and members of the Penhurst Gardens bus crew, who were also given a tour of the upgraded facilities by Lido manager Liz Cooke.

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Liz Cooke said the project had been years in the making.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer a completely modernised accessible changing room this season, with its own shower,” she said. “The Lido has been saving for this project for several years and is grateful for the donations of individuals and groups, including Penhurst Gardens, who have helped to make our dream a reality.”

She added: “Together with our disabled hoist, we’re confident that the new changing room will make outdoor swimming more accessible and enjoyable for customers this summer, and we’re looking forward to helping more people enjoy the water.”

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For Penhurst Gardens, the visit reflected the home’s wider commitment to helping residents remain connected to the local community and continue enjoying meaningful experiences.

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Lynne Elliott, home manager at Penhurst Gardens, said: “Chipping Norton Lido is such a valued part of the local community, so we are delighted to support the refurbishment of its accessible changing facilities through our sponsorship.

“For our residents, visits like this are about so much more than a day out. They create opportunities to revisit places that hold special memories, enjoy new experiences and remain connected to the community around them.

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“Seeing Val return to the pool was incredibly special, and we are so pleased that our residents will be able to continue visiting the Lido regularly. We hope this sponsorship will also help more people across Chipping Norton enjoy the Lido with confidence this summer and beyond.”

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First opened in 1970 following a local fundraising campaign, Chipping Norton Lido remains a cherished community-run facility in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, welcoming swimmers of all ages while continuing to invest in accessibility for future generations.

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To learn more about Penhurst Gardens Care Home or arrange a tour, visit their website.

To find out more about the Chipping Norton Lido and its opening times, visit: https://chippylido.co.uk/  

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For all the latest on what’s happening in the Cotswolds, check out What’sOn?XL in CotswoldXL Magazine. 

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