A SEVEN-year-old deaf girl from Middlewich was shown that her impairment should not have to hold her back after learning how to swim.


Nikita Rose Price, 7, from Middlewich, was keen to learn how to swim but confronted with huge obstacles due to her being profoundly deaf.


However, Nikita’s parents contacted the Deafness Support Network (DSN) to see if there was anything that could be done to help their daughter learn, and were delighted with the response.


Donna Price, Nikita’s mum, said: “Having been told she couldn’t wear her hearing aids in the water, Nikita was left for the duration of her lesson unable to follow instructions or join in because the instructor didn’t use sign language.”


DSN organsied for Nikita to be given lessons from swimming instructor David Haythornthwaite, who can communicate using British Sign Language.


“We approached DSN, and thankfully they were able to organise lessons with David, and he was more than happy to give Nikita the lessons she desperately wanted.”


After a struggle to find suitable premises, Crewe Hall sectioned off an area of their pool for ten weeks especially for Nikita to have her bespoke swimming lessons, which were funded by a donation from Christleton Masonic Hall.


Gill Reeder, executive of operations for DSN, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Crewe Hall and Christleton Masonic Hall for what they’ve done for Nikita.


“Without their kindness it would have been a real struggle for us to find a suitable venue for the lessons.


“We really want to thank everyone involved for making this possible.”


After a ten week course Nikita is now able to swim and has been awarded her level four swimming badge from the Royal Swimming Association and a certificate of achievement from DSN.