Stoke Swimmer Going For Gold in World Swimming Championships in Portugal

Craegmoor Healthcare, a leading provider of specialist support to people with learning disabilities, mental health illnesses and other needs, is today wishing good luck to service user Anita Linton as she competes in the Down’s Syndrome International Swimming Organisation World Championships, in Albufeira, Portugal.

Stoke girl Anita, first took up swimming during family holidays to the Norfolk Broads. It was on these trips that her talent quickly blossomed. She also began training with the Dudley Special Olympics Swimming Squad.

In 2001, while competing in the Down’s National Swimming Gala, Anita was spotted by Team GB coaches who were putting together the team 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 the 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 achieve 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 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 has been keeping their fingers crossed and we look forward to hearing all about her achievements when she returns”.

 For further information please contact the Craegmoor Press Office on: 01905 459 813

Notes for Editors

• Photos of Anita are available upon request.
• Craegmoor is one of the leading independent providers of specialist support in the UK with a turnover of approximately £170m and employs over 6,500 people.
• 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.
• The wide range of services offered by Craegmoor include:

1. Specialist care and support for adults with learning disabilities and mental health illnesses
2. Nursing and residential care for the elderly
3. Independent Hospitals

• Craegmoor has 2229 Specialist beds including 143 beds in three colleges.
• Craegmoor has currently 2242 Older People beds and 237 beds in the company’s Independent Hospitals.
• 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.

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