Care home residents with life-changing brain and spinal cord injuries complete triathlon

Care home residents with life-changing brain and spinal cord injuries have just finished a triathlon in which they collectively swam, walked and cycled over 33 miles.

Eighty-year-old former competitive swimmer Jill Complin had a stroke in 2019, which left her with impaired mobility and unable to communicate but she has just completed a triathlon at Kingston Rehabilitation Centre in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Jill Complin's injuries have been especially upsetting for her and her family, as she had been competing regularly in swimming championships across the country, prior to her stroke.

She held British and World Records at master’s level, with her most recent medal being awarded at the London 2016 European Masters Swimming Championships, where she claimed the top spot on the podium in the 75-79 Years 800m Free category with a finish time of 14:29.94.

Jill Complin was delighted to see fellow residents also with life-changing injuries at CHD Living’s Kingston Rehabilitation Centre in Kingston-Upon-Thames, take up the fitness challenge with her.

Spurred on by Jill Complin’s impressive swimming history and her determination to improve her walking throughout her rehabilitation, the six residents took on the challenge of completing a triathlon in her honour.

Slightly modified due to their injuries, the triathlon challenge involved collectively walking 12.75km, cycling 41.7km and swimming 160m.

The fitness challenge took the residents just over a month to complete.

Kingston Rehabilitation Centre provides neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation. As well as 36 bedrooms, it has a therapy gym, three treatment rooms, an occupational therapy assessment kitchen and a hydrotherapy pool.

Alex Barton, rehabilitation assistant at Kingston Rehabilitation Centre, said: “This was such a fun challenge to be involved with.

“We found a way for each of our residents to contribute to the Triathlon totals, whether that be using the bike with their upper limbs or supported standing because they are unable to walk.

“Rather than only focussing on their individual rehab goals in therapy, this gave all involved a common goal that they were really motivated to work towards to achieve together.”

Kingston Rehabilitation Centre is part of the CHD Living care group, which owns and operates 13 residential homes, two special rehabilitation centres and a domiciliary care business, CHD Care at Home.

Ms Barton added: “Following a remarkable recovery, Jill will shortly be discharged back home after almost a year away, and what a high for her to end her journey with us on!”

“Whilst we will be sad to see her leave us, we are so proud of the hard work she has put in, and the achievements she has made to enable her to safely return home.”

click here for more details or to contact CHD Living Ltd