Dream of swimming again comes true for 98-year-old

Roonie Appleton, 98 year old resident of Edmund House Bupa Care Home, had her dream of swimming again come true.

Born in Plymouth, Devon, Roonie had a highly active life and learnt to swim in the sea off Cornwall. Roonie was in the Women’s Royal Naval Service and a cook during the war at the fleet arm in Yeovil.

She met her husband, Harry, when she was 21 years old, they married 3 years later and spent many happy hours cruising down the Tamer River in Harry’s cabin cruiser. The couple have since lived an energetic life together with their children.

After reminiscing about her youth with Activities Coordinator at Edmund House, Michelle Evison, she mentioned that she would love to go for a dip in a pool again. Staff then made it their mission to arrange for Roonie to go swimming at the local swimming baths.

Michelle commented: “Roonie is a bundle of joy here at Edmund house, she is always motivated and positive, so we really wanted to make this happen.

“It was amazing to see her swimming in the pool at 98-years of age! I loved every second swimming with her and seeing her smile.”

Roonie commented: “I felt alive being back in the pool again, nobody ever knows how long they have left, and I would certainly like to spend some of my time visiting the pool again.

“I am very grateful to Michelle and everyone at Edmund House for helping make this happen.”

Edmund House Bupa Care Home is situated in Scunthorpe and welcomes residents in need of residential care including those living with Huntington’s and Parkinson’s. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services