People Begin Using State-Of-Art Hydrotherapy Pod In Market Harborough

A state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pod in Market Harborough is starting to be used by people with disabilities and other medical conditions. 

The facility, thought to be the only one of its kind in the region available for use free of charge, was officially opened at Harborough Leisure Centre yesterday afternoon.

The purchase of the FOCUS Aquatic Treadmill was funded by a £50,000 donation from the Hippo Appeal, which was launched in the town over 30 years ago.

An additional £3,500 was donated by the Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity and Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity, which paid for refurbishment costs in leisure centre’s ‘Wellbeing Hub’, where the pod is located.

Phyllis Stanley from Great Glen is one of the first people to benefit from the facility and spoke to HFM while using it:

The unit is being used to treat injuries and a host of medical conditions, including people with mobility issues, while Harborough Leisure Centre has also partnered with local GP surgeries on referrals.

Matt Hopkin is the Contract Manager for leisure centre operator Everyone Active:

People supported by Arthritus Support Leicestershire are among the first to use the facility and Conrad McEwan from the charity told HFM how beneficial it is:

Cllr Barbara Johnson, Chairman of Harborough District Council, cut the ribbon to officially open the facility:

 

Roger Dunton, chairman of the Trustees of the Hippo Appeal, spoke to HFM:

Carole Tilley was involved in the initial fundraising for the Hippo Appeal and more recently campaigned for the money raised to be spent:

 

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council, was delighted to see the Hydro Pod officially opened: