Our projects have been supporting disabled communities for 10+ years
700+ Local people trained
8 Specialist courses funded to upskill our team in Mexico
26 Student placements from Keele University
5 Shipping containers of specialist equipment donated to communities in need
Success Stories
National Swimming Events Medalist
Sergio
Sergio is one of the original Penguins from our Catrin’s Penguins Group. He attended our first-ever taster session in 2011 and was our first penguin that we taught to swim. Sergio has a debilitating condition that affects his joints, mainly his hands and feet, which makes them very twisted and deformed. This makes it difficult for him to stand and walk. Being in the water he is free and able to control his body and move at speed. He is also free from pain.
Once Sergio had learnt to swim with Therapies Unite, he started to attend swimming training sessions with the Deporte Adaptado, which is a local Mexican disability swim and athletics team. Sergio trains 5 nights a week and over the past 4 years, he has been competing in National events. Last year he won two gold and two silver medals at a swimming competition in Cancun and has recently been competing for his spot with the paralympic team… He has a very promising swimming career ahead of him.
An Inspiration to All
Iris
Iris is an incredibly strong and determined young woman who who first met 6 years ago following a traumatic accident in which she lost her leg. Despite facing a devastating situation and complete change to her life, she has always had such a positive attitude and thrown herself into her rehabilitation from day one. We have been fortunate to have been a small part of her journey, providing much needed equipment, such as her wheelchair as well as weekly aquatic therapy.
Rehabilitation and equipment provision post amputation is very limited in Mexico, which often has a detrimental impact on outcome and quality of life. Iris is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right equipment, support, strength and determination. She is such an important part of our Therapies Unite Community, inspiring others with her achievements. Iris has returned to work, continues to support her growing family and is a fierce advocate for disability rights. We are really proud of her and look forwards to seeing what she will do next!
Super Star Penguin
Dario
Dario has been attending our weekly aquatic therapy sessions for the past 10 years with his wonderful Mum Claris. Dario has Cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his muscle control and coordination. Despite the challenges that he faces, Dario has found significant improvement in his strength, function and confidence through attending the Catrin’s Penguins sessions. Dario is restricted to using his wheelchair when he is on land but in the water he is able to stand and walk with support, giving him a level of independence and freedom.
As well as attending Catrin’s Penguins, Dario also receives his wheelchairs and therapeutic input from Therapies Unite to meet his posture care needs. This is really important as he is at risk of physical deterioration without therapy and essential equipment. Dario gets so much out of attending the sessions and being part of our Therapies Unite community. It has been wonderful to see his development over the years not only from a physical perspective but also to see him happier, watch him grow in confidence and be engaged more with the world around him.
