It’s never too late to learn to swim as Mary Scarr of Torquay has discovered.

But in Mary’s case, there is a little more of a touching story than the fact she has managed to swim a width of the leisure pool at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre. For Mary has overcome a very difficult and personal fear and challenge.

Mary was just a young baby when she was badly wounded by a bomb in World War 11 and sadly she has carried her wounds throughout her life. But she is a fighter and a lady with a very determined character and although she was advised by doctors never to exert herself to exercise. They thought it was highly unlikely she would ever be able to learn to swim; she was determined to prove them wrong.

Mary joined the Riviera International Centre’s Lifestyle health club and her strong character and determination to succeed encouraged her to join in the adult swimming classes.

After losing a little weight, Mary’s swimming co-ordinator and teacher, Jacquie Lovett, persuaded her to take to the pool, overcome her fear of water and learn to swim. Now, she can swim a width of the pool by herself which is an achievement she never dreamt of ever fulfilling.

Mary said: “Had it not been for Jacquie with her patience, time and commitment, I would not have been able to get over the fear of the water let alone swim.

"I know I still have a long way to go but I will get there and I can only encourage all adults to take that step and learn to swim. On this occasion the saying ‘if I can do it, anyone can’ really means something."

Mary added with a twinkle of her eye, "I still have to learn to ride a bike, that’s the next thing on my list to do."

Adults swimming classes are held in Waves Leisure Pool and full details can be obtained by ringing Jacquie on 01803 206309.