A GRANDMOTHER has overcome her fears and learnt to swim at the age of 67 after being inspired by her grandchildren.

Tina Paoridi has had a fear of swimming since she was a child due to her dad’s phobia of water and never took the plunge to have swimming lessons.

However, after her grandchildren repeatedly asked “why can’t you swim?” she signed up for swimming sessions at Eversley Leisure Centre, in Crest Avenue, Pitsea.

The Felmore resident said: “Growing up, the rest of the family could swim, but I remember my dad was always really scared of the water.

“I had school swimming lessons as a child, but never outside of that.

“Seeing my dad so fearful of water made me start to feel nervous about swimming, so I stopped when my school lessons did, I tried swimming lessons again, but my teacher was as impatient as I was nervous.

“She told me to give up, so I never went back.”

Since February Tina has been taking part in weekly lessons and practicing during open swimming sessions and is now looking forward to testing out her skills on holiday in Turkey.

She added: “When I started lessons at Eversley, I was petrified of taking that jump back into lessons again. I now feel more confident to give things a go.

“The swimming teachers have been absolutely brilliant, they are so supportive and patient, and have really helped me overcome my nervousness.

“I still struggle with gaining my body position in the water, but they always go out of their way to remind me of the progress I have made.

“Previous to my swimming lessons at Eversley, I would have never got into a swimming pool abroad for fear of not being able to stand back up and I would make sure to not go in any further than up to my knees if I was in the sea.

“I’m going to Turkey in a few weeks - I’m determined to get in the pool at least.”

Tina also recently won Eversley Leisure Centre’s swimmer of the month award in recognition of her progress.