Nothing can stop resolute lifeguard
WILL LOST LIMBS AS A BABY
CHRONICLE hero Will Hardy lost an arm and both legs to meningitis when he was just two - but he’s not letting that hold him back.
In fact, the 19-year-old is working as a lifeguard keeping people safe at Jesmond Community Leisure in Newcastle.
Will, who is from Jesmond, has been swimming for as long as he can remember and began doing it competitively aged 10 with the Gosforth Dolphins and the B Squad at Newcastle Amateur Swimming Club. But despite the effects of his condition, Will was still more than able in the water and qualified as a lifeguard in June. He said: “I just swim all four normal stokes, and do them to the best of my ability and the best way I can do them - that’s the only way it differs really. “I just swim like anyone else would.” Meningitis is an infection that can lead to septicaemia and cause disrepair to the brain and nerves. The condition is most prevalent in infants through to young adults, but can occur in anyone. And the training to be a lifeguard did have its challenges for Will
“It was quite difficult in parts, but I guess it is for everyone,” he said.
“There are technical aspects that you have to get your head round. Obviously I had slightly different challenges, like trying to do it when I wasn’t in my depth or something like that, which probably did make it a bit harder - but I just got on with it really.”
The Northumbria University student, who carried the Olympic Torch through Newcastle when he was just 14, trains eight times a week in the pool, alongside gym sessions.
He’s considering training for the Paralympics, but is taking it as it comes.
When told of comments from colleagues about how remarkably quick he is, former Heaton Manor pupil Will is very modest.
“I’m not sure about that ... I can swim reasonably fast, I would say.”
So far, Will hasn’t needed to rescue anyone from the water but he loves meeting people through work.
“I really like being around the swimming pool, it’s what I enjoy doing.
“But also mixing with different customers and different people. I enjoy that side of it and working as part of the team.”
In 2002, Newcastle United stars including Alan Shearer and Robbie Elliott supported a Chronicle campaign and launched an auction to raise cash for a new pair of legs for William. He was photographed at home with Elliott trying them out in February the following year.
Obviously I had slightly different challenges – but I just got on with it really. Will Hardy