Craegmoor Healthcare, the largest independent provider of long term specialist care in the UK is today wishing good luck to service user Anita Linton as she begins training for the Down’s Syndrome International Swimming Organisation World Championships, in Albufeira, Portugal this November.
Anita, who is a resident at Craegmoor’s Charolais Crescent supported living facility in Stoke-on-Trent, first took up swimming during family holidays to the Norfolk Broads. It was on these trips that her talent quickly blossomed and by the time she was 13, Anita. She also began training with the Dudley Special Olympics Swimming Squad. Later she swam in the Great Britain team for both Special Olympics and Mencap in Invitation International Galas in Geneva and Hungary.
In 2001, while competing in the Down’s National Swimming Gala, Anita was spotted by the Great British coaches who were preparing to take part in the inaugural Down’s Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (DSISO) World Championships. Anita’s obvious talent guaranteed her a regular place in the GB squad and a string of strong performances have won her over 20 medals in the past year alone.
Anita, whose passion and dedication sees her training three times a week, is looking to build on the three gold medals and one silver medal she achieved at the previous World Championships in Ireland. She has begun the run up to November’s Championship in style; smashing the world records for the twenty five metres, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly at this year’s Shrewsbury Masters Gala.
These achievements have left all her friends at Craegmoor in no doubt that this remarkable woman will go on to even greater success in Portugal.
Anita’s mother Barbara Linton said today:
“I am extremely proud of Anita; she trains incredibly hard and looks forward to every Gala she competes in. When Anita is not swimming, she loves to support her GB team mates and is always on hand to congratulate them on their successes.”
Ted Smith, Craegmoor’s Chief Executive said today
“Anita is an incredibly gifted and talented young woman. Everyone in Craegmoor will be keeping their fingers crossed for her in the run up to Portugal and beyond.”
For further information please contact the Craegmoor Press Office on: 01905 459 813
Notes for Editors
1. Photos of Anita are available upon request
2. Craegmoor is the largest independent provider of long term specialist care in the UK with a turnover of approximately £170m and employs over 6,500 people.
3. It has a portfolio comprising specialist and nursing care homes, mental health hospitals, specialist adult colleges and supported living schemes with over 4,700 beds across 234 homes.
4. The wide range of services offered by Craegmoor include:
• Specialist care and support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health illnesses
• Nursing and residential care for the elderly
• Independent Hospitals
5. There are 2229 Specialist beds including 143 beds in three colleges.
6. There are currently 2242 Older People beds and 237 in Independent Hospitals.
7. Working closely with local authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts, Craegmoor is committed to building partnerships focused on constant service improvements which meet the needs of individual people and which are in line with regulatory requirements and best practice.
-Ends-