“WeSwim has helped get me out of a dark place and given me a new lease for life.”
About Milos
Milos has severe mobility issues having been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (NFD) in 2021, amongst other conditions. He used to be very active as a children’s cricket coach and regular swimmer, but the condition has meant he is largely housebound and has lost his ability to do many things, including sport.
Finding WeSwim
In mid-2024 his physio recommended he tries WeSwim to help relieve back pain and help him become more active. The club was conveniently situated next door to the physio in Crouch End, close to where Milos lives.
Milos remembers his first session with volunteer Ian very well: “At first, I was very nervous getting into the water as I didn’t know what my body was capable of. Ian encouraged me to start with a noodle and move my arms, but my legs were twitching and felt like dead weights in the water. But he was determined to get me swimming, so we persevered and I was able to get across the pool with my arms, assisted by the noodle.”
After six months swimming with WeSwim each week, Milos’ swimming and general confidence has progressed significantly.
“Within a few sessions, the volunteers suggested putting my legs together doing butterfly-style kick. We realised that when put together with my arms, this was a much better technique. I was soon able to swim with my head under water and without a noodle. After three months I was swimming a whole length!”
Milos recommends WeSwim to anyone in a similar situation to himself: “I praise WeSwim to high heaven for how it has given me a sense of freedom and determination to be as active as I can. On land I’m a cripple, but in the water I’m a mermaid!”
