Lynn Wilson collapsed in Stirling at the start of a charity walk and was later told she had suffered a sudden bleed on the brain.
She spent seven months in hospital, much of it in intensive care, and underwent extended rehabilitation to relearn basic skills such as walking, washing and dressing.
Mrs Wilson said: “When I first woke up, I couldn’t imagine doing anything, let alone swimming.
“I couldn’t even walk.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to any kind of normal, but I knew I needed to keep going.
“I always wanted to learn to swim properly but I never got round to it.
“After everything I’d been through, I thought, now’s the time.
“I asked the team at my gym if they had adult lessons – and I joined a class.
“It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
“Swimming has given me so much back.
“It’s not just about fitness, it’s helped me feel proud of myself again.
“I’m more confident, healthier and happier.
“David, my instructor, has been amazing.
“He’s so patient and encouraging and I honestly don’t think I’d have made the same progress without having someone like him guide me.”
Supported by David Walker, Aquatics Officer, and Tracey Collins, a swim teacher at East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust, Lynn has been learning core swimming techniques as part of her recovery.
Their guidance has helped her not only build confidence in the water but also achieve a key goal of regaining independence.
David said: “Lynn’s progress has been remarkable.
“When she first joined, she was understandably nervous, but she brought a quiet determination with her.
“Each week, she pushed herself that little bit further.
“It’s been inspiring to witness her journey from being unsure in the water to moving with real confidence.
“Lynn is a joy to teach, an inspiration to others and is the perfect example of what’s possible with the right attitude and support.
“She has progressed her way up the levels into our advanced group.
“She’s incredibly modest, but I believe her story has the power to inspire anyone who’s faced a life-altering event and feels as though they’ve lost their way or can’t move forward.”
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Chair of the East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust, praised her determination and the support of the swim team.
He said: “Lynn’s story is nothing short of remarkable and I’m delighted that she found her love of swimming at her local pool, supported by our amazing team of professional, friendly teachers.
“Taking that first step into something new is often the hardest but she has proved how life-changing it can be with the right help and the right people behind you.”
Her achievements are being celebrated as part of the #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.
The scheme encourages adults to embrace swimming at any age and highlights the physical, mental, and social benefits of getting in the water.
John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: “It’s incredibly moving to hear how Lynn’s recovery has been supported through swimming.
“Lynn’s journey shows just how impactful learning how to swim can be, and how the pool can be a place of recovery, resilience and renewed confidence.”
More than 1,800 adults currently participate in Learn to Swim sessions each week across Scotland, including at Allander Leisure Centre in Milngavie, where Mrs Wilson takes lessons.
The programme is part of a national effort to support people of all ages and abilities in developing essential water safety and swimming skills for life.
More information about the scheme and class availability can be found at https://learntoswim.scot.
