“Hydrotherapy can make a huge difference to the children and young people we support. In the water, they can move more freely, stretch muscles and joints, relax and build strength. Being in the water offers a sense of independence that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere. The group sessions we run, Tadpoles and Ducklings, offer more than just swim sessions – they are a supportive community for both children and parents. Seeing the pool closed is very hard, especially as some families are not able to travel to our hospice in Guildford and children and young people are missing out; we would love to be able to welcome back families as soon as possible – so I encourage our supporters to please donate what they can towards our appeal.”
Ellen, Soph’s mum, shares the importance of the hydrotherapy pool to their family, and the impact its current closure has had on them.
Ginny, Physiotherapist
Why we need our pool fixed
Exercise and Physiotherapy
The hydrotherapy pools at Shooting Star are looked after by our physiotherapy team. Being in the water is a great way to build and develop muscles, especially for children and young people who are in a wheelchair for much of the day.
A safe space for families
Families we support find our hydrotherapy pools a fantastic place to come and be together. Often children with more complex needs are less able to visit public pools. Our hydrotherapy pools also don’t use the harsh chemicals that might interfere with medical equipment.
A vital resource
According to research by Muscular Dystrophy UK there are more hydrotherapy pools available to animals than people (362 pools for animals vs 179 pools for people when the research was carried out). With so few facilities its vital that we get our pool up and running again.
How our hydrotherapy makes a difference
Number of sessions we hope to hold once the pool at Shooting Star House is open again.
Babies and toddlers attending our Tadpoles session for babies and parents.
Children coming to our Ducklings sessions for pre-schoolers and parents.
People who have used our pools over the last 12 months.
Donor wall
Anonymous
Carole Wenster
Marilyn Day
Pool donation