GLL, operating under the brand Better, is a social enterprise organisation which runs sport and leisure facilities, on behalf of local authorities across the UK.
With a focus on leisure facilities in Belfast, we are running a series of features looking at stories of members and how they got involved in their local leisure centre.
First up is New Lodge man Brian Murphy (73) who decided to take up swimming lessons three years ago.
Now, Brian is a member of Falls Leisure Centre, swimming twice a week – every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
Brian began by explaining how not being able to swim meant he missed out on memories with his grandkids on holiday.
"I go away on my holidays to Donegal every year over the Twelfth with the family and the grandkids," he said. "We do the usual activities like hiking, crazy golf, football and stuff but when it came to swimming that was my downfall because I couldn't swim.
"I used to always have to stay at the side of the water, holding on to the railings whilst trying to throw the ball back.
"It went on for a few years. About three years ago, I was in the town and I decided to walk up to Falls Leisure Centre and enquire about swimming lessons.
"I was given a card and I phoned a fella called Paul Murphy. We met up and I explained because of the grandkids I wanted to learn to swim.
"I was very nervous at the start but Paul was fantastic. I had never put my head under water before and that was one of the first things I got used to. I started off doing Tuesdays and then went every Tuesday and Thursday.
"I then started to learn about breathing, then arms and legs and then the different strokes for the pool. I used different floats and aids to help.
"Gradually I got better and just over a year and a bit later, I was able to swim."
Brian is encouraging others to learn to swim and says he is an example of how it is never too late.
"My only regret is that I never learned to swim sooner," he added. "I did it for my grandkids and now I am able to join in with them on holidays.
"I love swimming now. I am here every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
"I can't speak highly enough of Falls Leisure Centre. The staff are fantastic and so friendly. They know all their members by name. It really is one big family.
"If you want to learn to swim, call in to Falls Leisure Centre and get started today."
Become a member of Falls Leisure Centre today. Call in or visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/belfast/falls-leisure-centre for more information.
