EPILEPTIC Richard Greenop is back in the swim - and it's all thanks to the Citizen.

Fearing for his life, Hyndburn Leisure Centre bosses pulled the plug on Richard's regular swimming expeditions until he found a full time supervisor to join him in the pool.

After he appealed for a companion through our pages, a shy heroine stepped forward - and has already saved his life.

Richard, 27, of Belfield Road, Accrington, said: "I can't thank the Citizen enough. Not long after the article appeared, I was contacted by a fully-trained swimming instructor who volunteered a few hours of her spare time each week to supervise me in the pool.

"I had a fit while swimming with her - and she coped with it brilliantly. I feel completely safe in her care."

He added: "I feel like I've got my independence back. It was so frustrating to be restricted by epilepsy."

May Richardson, sports centre manager, said: "We're quite happy to welcome Richard back to the pool now that he has a minder.

"It makes things much easier on the attendants and it isn't as dangerous for him."

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