A STROKE victim has been flying the flag for a campaign to overhaul a County Durham swimming pool which has helped his recovery.

Simon Peacock, 34, spoke ahead of a four-mile Wellbeing Walk on Saturday in aid of the Pioneering Care Partnership’s (PCP) Dive In appeal.

He championed the health and wellbeing charity’s hydrotherapy pool, at its Newton Aycliffe base, which has played a key role in his rehabilitation from a stroke in June last year.

The pool ambassador said: “It has helped me massively. It enables me to complete physical therapy, supporting me to regain mobility and strength in my arm and leg.

“I was always a keen swimmer and being able to use the pool really helps me with my recovery. I can’t fully swim yet, but I’m getting there and my confidence is coming back.

“The staff are really supportive and attending has helped both me and my family. The pool is an amazing resource.”

The group raised £236 to go towards the pool refurbishment which will cost £410,000. More than 7,000 people use the pool annually but the 20-year-old facility breaks down on a regular basis.

Thanking those who took part in the walk, board of trustees chair Barry Knevitt, said: “Your help today will support those families across the North-East like Simon’s that rely on this resources for recovery, rehabilitation and pain management.”

Saturday’s event was the first of many planned this year to encourage people to improve their own wellbeing, health and fitness by supporting the campaign.

It came after Tamara Taylor, who captained England in the 2015 Women’s Six Nations Championship, backed the appeal. The sportswoman has herself experienced injury and has had two major operations.

She said: “Using a pool like the one at PCP helped me strengthen my ankle and has been so vital in achieving a good rehabilitation, due the buoyancy of the water I was able to walk and run well before I was able to on land.

“I’m so pleased to be able to support this campaign which is such an important community resource. I’m looking forward to getting involved in the fundraising activity.”

For more details call the PCP on 01325-321234.