75504-02BOSSES at a pool which helps people with severe disabilities are hoping to start splashing the cash on new facilities in the spring.

Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, which opened in 1979, is about to embark on a project to buy a £40,000 replacement Jacuzzi.

The centre in Jefferies Avenue, Swindon, which spends £100,000 a year on running costs, is supported entirely by money raised through fundraising and from donations.

To mark its 25th anniversary in 2004 a fund was set up with the aim of raising £250,000 over five years.

Events culminated with a Swimathon in November which made more than £8,000.

And some of this cash will be used to pay for the new equipment which helps relax and stimulate muscles.

Manager Paul Charlwood, 53, who has been with the centre since the start, said: "It has been a phenomenal year for fundraising and some of the cash will be used for the Jacuzzi. People in Swindon are so generous.

"Everything is moving along nicely so we hope work will start in April."

Other equipment at the pool is 25 years old and also needs replacing. Mr Charlwood hopes that by 2009 there will be enough money to make all the improvements to secure the facility's future.

"Hopefully, the new equipment will serve us for another 25 years," he said.

To help ensure funds keep flooding in, other events have been organised.

But hopes that the pool would be able to enter 25 people into the London Marathon in April were dashed when they were granted only one place.

Mr Charlwood hopes Adver readers, who are taking part, but have not picked a charity to run for, will contact him and pledge their support.

"We were disappointed we didn't get more places as we even had a sponsor for our running kit," he said.

Since it opened, more than 750,000 people have benefited from the pool, which caters for people suffering from a range of disabilities including cerebral palsy and brain damage.

Car crash survivor Michael McCann is one person who is being helped.

The 38-year-old, of Abbey Meads, is learning to walk and talk again after suffering severe injuries in a Pinehurst Road smash in which his 19-year-old friend Matthew Styles died.

"The pool's brilliant as it not only helps myself. People from far away come to use it," he said.

To make a donation or pledge your support in the London Marathon phone 01793 496002.

Ben Payne