30-Year Campaign Pays Off As New Hydrotherapy Pod Installed In Market Harborough

A new hydrotherapy pod has been installed at Harborough Leisure Centre after a 30-year fundraising campaign finally paid off.

It will help people with disabilities, muscle injuries and other conditions like arthritis.

From left, Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, Roger Dunton, Cllr Simon Whelband and Carole Tilley Trustee. PICTURE: ANDY CARPENTER

The ‘Hippo Appeal’ launched in the 1990’s, with over £48,000 donated to fund the state-of-the-art facility.

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

From left, Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, Roger Dunton, Carole Tilley Trustee and Cllr Simon Whelband.
PICTURE: ANDY CARPENTER

Everyone Active, which runs the leisure centre in partnership with Harborough District Council, unveiled the pod in its ‘Wellbeing Hub’ today, following its installation last week.

Staff will be trained in the use of it before it is officially launched and available to people referred from their GP, clubs, specialist groups and private hires from April 3rd.

Roger Dunton, chairman of the Trustees of the appeal, spoke to HFM:

From left, Cllr Simon Whelband, Carole Tilley Trustee, Roger Dunton and Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager.
PICTURE: ANDY CARPENTER

The purchase of the FOCUS Aquatic Treadmill was funded by the Hippo Appeal donation, with an additional £3,500 donated by the Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity and Market Harborough and the Bowdens Charity, paying for refurbishment costs in the Wellbeing Hub.

Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted that the installation of the hydrotherapy pod has been completed and would like to thank all partners who have worked with us on this project.

“This is a top-of-the-range piece of equipment and will prove of great benefit to a wide variety of people.

“We believe it will have a hugely positive influence on the health and wellbeing of the community.”

Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The welcome introduction of the hydrotherapy pod will provide effective therapy, rehabilitation and fitness support for many residents in our community.

“We fully encourage opportunities to boost the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all residents across the Harborough district.”

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien has paid tribute to Mrs Tilley’s campaigning, saying: “I pay tribute to Carole who has been campaigning on this for over thirty years.

“Her persistence in relentlessly pursuing this issue has finally paid off and it will be wonderful to see this facility finally installed at the leisure centre. It will be a huge benefit to patients.”