A FORMER competitive swimmer who survived cancer is now dedicated to helping others get in the swim of things.

Marianne Pearce hosts classes in Chester as part of her swim school, Cheshire Dolphins.

Marianne, from Ellesmere Port, who completed a four-million-metre triathlon throughout 2018 for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said swimming had always been a passion of hers and she was delighted to see swimmers of all ages and abilities making progress in the pool.

She told The Standard: "I deliver the latest teaching content and swimming techniques – stroke technique is very important, as well as the children being aware of water safety.

"The classes are for children and adults, and for people with long-term dependencies such as ADHD and autism, and for children with severe disabilities. Some can be taught one-to-one where needed, some can go in a group."

Marianne added the groups are no bigger than four to a class, so the support offered to trainee swimmers can be more tailored and more personal.

Classes are currently being held at the Holiday Inn on Wrexham Road, Chester, and for members of Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa at its Parkgate Road base.

Marianne explained she had always liked teaching swimming, but became ill with breast cancer and had to stop while she underwent treatment for that, before the Covid-19 pandemic extended that layoff.

Since then, the Cheshire Dolphins group was set up and has now been running for about one year, with people of all ages attending her classes and making good progress.

Marianne explained: "A few of the children have gone on to swim for local clubs; one has gone to Buckley, another to Wrexham," adding it is also "amazing" to see children with SEND learning to swim, saying: "ny little bit of progress is a real milestone" which parents and carers have appreciated.

As well as learning to swim, the class also features synchronised swimming and water polo.

For more information on Cheshire Dolphins, email cheshiredolphins@gmail.com or call Marianne on 07930 432319.