From Fear to Freedom: Matilda’s Incredible Swimming Journey with Level Water

Matilda with her swim teachers at Star Hub

What began as just two weeks of school swimming lessons has turned into a life-changing journey for young Matilda — made possible thanks to the support of Level Water, a charity funding one-to-one swimming lessons for children with disabilities across the UK.

When Matilda first got into the pool during her school program, she found it overwhelming. Not only did she struggle with swimming itself, but she also found it difficult to connect with others in the group. Her school swim teacher, Alex, worked patiently to build her confidence, but it was clear that large group sessions weren’t the right fit for Matilda.

That’s when her mum, Joanna, explored one-to-one lessons — the breakthrough that changed everything. With Alex’s encouragement, Matilda began weekly individual sessions, slowly learning to trust herself in the water. Recognising her determination, Alex introduced the family to Level Water, who provide children like Matilda with funded one-to-one swimming lessons tailored to their needs.

Through Level Water, Matilda began lessons with Conan, a dedicated swim teacher at Star Hub. Step by step, she overcame her fears — going from being unable to enter the pool to swimming full lengths with confidence. Swimming soon became not just a skill, but a passion.

Her progress inspired her to take on the Level Water 10k Challenge, swimming 10 kilometres throughout June and raising an incredible £406 to support the charity that had helped her so much.

Today, Matilda’s journey is about more than swimming. The water has given her strength, resilience, and belief in herself. She’s attending school more regularly, building friendships, and thriving socially in ways her family once only hoped for.

Her mum Joanna shared:
"None of this would have been possible without the support of Level Water. Their funding gave Matilda access to the lessons she needed, and the encouragement from Alex, Conan, and the team at Star Hub made all the difference. They helped my daughter find her confidence, her smile, and her passion."

Thanks to Level Water, children like Matilda are not just learning to swim — they are learning to believe in themselves.