This guest blog is written by 61-year-old Debbie Nobbs, who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus as a baby.

Debbie’s hydrocephalus journey started after she contracted Strep B Meningitis when she was 10 days old.

Here, she shares her inspirational journey, from diagnosis to finding her passion for swimming.

IN DEBBIE’S OWN WORDS

Have you ever had any dreams of what you want to be or do when you’re an adult? For me, I wasn’t sure. I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus when I was 10 weeks old, and my parents were advised not to expect much; I would probably be confined to a wheelchair and need specialist care and schooling.

I grew up, and went to mainstream school. I did struggle with subjects and found some to be really hard… Then there was PE: Always last, never picked for teams.

Then I discovered swimming. The local council had organised swimming lessons for children who had joined youth organisations. I was in the Brownies at the time and hadn’t really learnt to swim, so I went along to the beginners classes with my sister and another friend. The teacher we had was great and really encouraging.

I grew in confidence with every lesson and was awarded my first distance badge (10 metres). I progressed through the groups and grew more and more confident; my self-esteem improved at school because I found something I was good at. I also joined the local Disabled Sports group.

A NEW OPPORTUNITY

Moving to Secondary School brought fresh challenges. I excelled in some subjects and struggled in others. The PE department knew I had limitations and always encouraged me. They showed an interest in my swimming and always praised my efforts.

Then one day, someone approached my parents and asked if I would be interested in taking part in swimming galas.

So, I joined with other team mates every week, practising my strokes and going as fast as I could. I competed in my first regional gala and won 2 Gold medals in Freestyle and Backstroke.

The Junior Nationals followed a month later, and I won 2 more golds – with a national record in the backstroke. My team also won the National Trophy for the best overall performance. The next 2 years as a junior, produced more medals/titles, despite shunt replacement on 2 occasions.

I progressed to the Senior Nationals and won another title. A month later, I competed in the first National Les Autres Games. This group was created for disabilities not included in the other groups. (Les Autres being the French for “The Others.”) I entered 5 events: Discus, Shot and Javelin, plus 100 metres Backstroke and Freestyle. I had never raced competitively over 100 metres before, and although I started in the water (not allowed to dive), I did really well and recorded my best times. As for the field events, I was pleased with my efforts, particularly as I’m quite small.

Team GB

On returning home, I received a phone call, inviting me to train with the GB Les Autres Squad! Training became more intense and my swimming times were improving too. I was also encouraged to try Butterfly over 50 Metres and 200 Metres Individual Medley. Training weekends commenced later that year at St George’s Barracks, Sutton Coldfield.

It was great to meet other members of the squad and I made some good friends. The weekends became really strenuous, and the group was gradually reduced to a small group of competitors. The European Championships were being held in Paris and the Les Autres events were Swimming and Table Tennis. The competitors were confined to the more ambulant categories: 4-6. I had made the Team!

On a sunny day in July 1983, we all met at Victoria Coach Station, London to travel to Paris, via ferry. On arrival, we were shown to our accommodation. Medicals undertaken, I was reclassified to a higher class. We then congregated with other countries for the opening ceremony at the Louis Lumière Stadium, Paris. The feeling was amazing!

Here I was, representing Great Britain-let battle commence! The swimming events were scheduled, the following afternoon and continued for the next 5 days. I performed the best I could in my events (which included relays), and produced some terrific times, but was placed out of the medals. When the event closed a week later, I was really pleased with my performance. I had made some lovely friends, and enjoyed the great team spirit. I will never forget joining in with singing “ten green bottles” on the coach, with members of the Danish and Norwegian teams.

A DREAM COME TRUE

I look back to that special time and realise I achieved a lot and have treasured memories.

I’m now happily married, with 2 grown up children.

I’ve also achieved a BA (Hons) in History.

I’ve recently retired, and regularly swim at my local pool; I write stories and poems, plus I make chutneys.

Follow your dreams and, most of all, enjoy yourself and have fun!