A LIFELONG swimmer has been left on dry land due to the lack of a suitable hoist at her local pool.

Margaret Halliday, who is a resident at Haddington Care Home, was a regular visitor to nearby Aubigny Sports Centre.

However, managers at the home have decided that the hoist there is “unsafe” and now she is unable to attend the pool.

Margaret has needed the hoist for the last three years but, due to her medical conditions, she needs it more now than previously.

The retired biology and science teacher said: “I’ve loved swimming for most of my life. It makes me feel free.

“Now I’m disabled with MS, it’s harder because my legs are weak but my arms are strong and I still love it.

“If I were able to swim regularly, it would help both my physical and mental condition.

“The home managers feel it is unsafe for myself plus the staff with the old hoist.”

Little progress

It has been estimated that a replacement hoist would cost somewhere between £1,700 and £2,700.

An online fundraising page was set up at the care home on the town’s Mill Wynd but it has only raised about £200.

Margaret, 74, has spoken to the sports centre’s manager and enjoyleisure, as well as contacting politicians, in a bid to resolve the problem.

However, little progress has been made.

The grandmother-of-three told the Courier that she was now unable to go swimming.

She said: “Other centres would take too long as the carer wouldn’t be able to return to the home while I’m swimming with the other carer.”

Bill Axon, chief executive of enjoyleisure, said, “All of our equipment is safe, maintained and fit for purpose.

“We regularly carry out testing to identify areas for maintenance and ways to improve.”