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Case Study- Debbie Della Cerra

Debbie is 43 years old and was diagnosed with MS five and a half years ago. Although she had previously used the gym at The Grove Leisure Centre she admits that she had a very adhoc approach and that it wasn't until she was diagnosed with MS did she really appreciate the value of the facilities. Debbie began regular physical activity at the local MS Information and Support Centre where she volunteers and where Helen Purdy from The Grove Leisure Centre delivered seated exercise classes, from there Debbie was referred to the Leisure Centre through her local GP Referral Programme.

Debbie describes herself as "not a typical gym user, being short, overweight and disabled" but due to the inclusive environment created at The Grove, Debbie feels comfortable in an environment that includes and encourages a wide range of people to exercise together, whether they be young or old, disabled or non-disabled, male or female, it is very much a community facility and the opportunity to access a full workout on equipment that she can use without any difficulty has provided her with a lot more energy and improved well-being. Debbie also highlights that it is refreshing to experience staff who are not afraid of her disability and who will enquire further into the specifics to ensure that they can provide her with an effective and safe fitness programme. Debbie has made several strong recommendations to other people who have been diagnosed with MS and states that she wouldn't even attempt to use a facility unless it was accredited and inclusive as she knows that she wouldn't feel comfortable, "at the Grove Leisure Centre I don't feel different, I feel normal!"

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