Following the discovery of two major leaks in January, InFocus had to close the swimming pool, and it has remained closed ever since.

In June, InFocus launched an appeal to raise money towards the repairs and reopen the facility in time for the beginning of the new college year in September. The Exeter Chiefs Foundation donated a grant of £25,000 to the project, and the public campaign has so far raised £5,000 thanks to generous donations from the charity’s supporters.

Jane Dye, CEO at InFocus, said: “In total, the pool will cost almost £100,000 to fix, and the remaining money is having to come from our emergency reserves. If you can help, a donation of any size will make a real difference, and we would be truly grateful for your support.”

The swimming pool, also known as The Bradbury Water Therapy Centre, is an essential part of life at InFocus. For some people, it is the only place where they can feel truly free, as their muscles relax in the water and they do not need physical supports or aids. For others, it provides a sanctuary of calm in what can feel like a very busy and overstimulating world. It is unlike an ordinary pool: it is heated to 32°c, is shallower than many public pools, and has a hoist system that enables people to move directly from the adapted changing rooms into the water.

The pool is not just an important resource for people at InFocus; it is also valued by the local community. It is a place where toddlers learn to swim with their parents, young athletes train for competitive swimming, and school children come for lessons.

If you would like to donate to help repair the InFocus pool, follow this link: www.infocus-charity.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/save-our-specialist-pool/