Ivy Waller
lived alone before moving to Richmond Witney. While the initial decision to
move was difficult to make, since living at Richmond Witney she hasn’t looked
back and has even learnt to swim for the first time at the age of 94.
Commenting on life at Richmond Witney, Ivy says “The staff are just super! They are what
makes life here what it is. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for us all. Everyone
is happy to go above and beyond at any time of the day or night, and if they
hadn’t been so kind and thoughtful I don’t think I could have stayed here, they
have really made me feel at home.”
One member
of Witney’s team Ivy has a particular fondness for is pool instructor, Rachel. Having
feared water for 90 years, Ivy started swimming having been given the
encouragement and the confidence to do so by Rachel. Explaining the change of
heart, Ivy comments, “One day the fitness instructors here asked if I’d like to
try swimming, and I simply replied yes
why not? I feel confident to try anything here and felt at ease in the
water with Rachel straight away.”
“The
facilities at Richmond Villages are wonderful, it’s been so beneficial for me being
able to try out different things and figure out what I enjoy doing. I remember
thinking that if I didn’t try it now then I never would. Now I relish my time
in the pool each week and am very proud of the progress I have made – I wish my
mother could see me now as she wouldn’t believe it!”
Ivy continues her weekly swims with the support of Rachel and the rest of the team, and is enjoying living life to the full at Richmond Villages.