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Jan brings home three gold medals

Faye Adams
12/11/2003

DISABLED swimmer Jan Fenton is living proof that dreams really can come true.

The inspirational swimmer scooped a hat trick of gold medals at the recent British Championships and took an impressive seven seconds off the 50m breaststroke world record.

The 49-year-old first hit the Advertiser headlines in July when she appealed for sponsors to help her bid to become the British number one.

Jan, of Churchfields, Audenshaw, has been wheelchair-bound for more than 10 years after stopping breathing during an asthma attack. The former midwife was forced to give up work and has suffered several blood clots.

But after taking up the watersport less than two years ago to try and improve her asthma, Jan discovered her top class talent and has not looked back since.

She now has gold medals in 50m and 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle to add to her collection.

But she was back in the pool just hours after returning from the British Short Course Disabled Swimmers Championships held in Sheffield at the start of this month.

"I couldn't believe it when I won all three events. I was gobsmacked" said Jan. It took days for it all to sink in, but now it has I've got to concentrate on my next goal - to get into the squads for the Olympics and the European Championships next year."

She added: "As long as I stay fit and healthy, it all bodes well, but I couldn't have done it without the people of Denton and Droylsden.

"I did a wheelchair run and collected around £350 and without that I don't think I'd have even got to the championships. It really helped with my expenses, so I just want to say a very big thank you."

Her fund was also helped by a £200 donation from The Space Station in Hyde.