A legendary swimmer in Leatherhead has celebrated his 100th birthday with friends at the Leisure Centre in town.
100-year-old Lawrence Bartley's landmark birthday passed recently, and on February 18 like-minded swimmers and friends gathered at the centre to help him celebrate.
Staff from Mole Valley District Council — who own the Leatherhead Leisure Centre — and operators Fusion Lifetyle joined in and gave him a certificate for 100 Free Swims recognition of his dedication and reaching such a remarkable milestone.
"I am very touched by the kindness of my friends, centre staff and the council for planning this surprise celebration," Lawrence said.
"Leatherhead Leisure Centre has been a big part of my life and I so look forward to my swimming sessions each week," he added.
Lawrence began swimming at Leatherhead Leisure Centre three times a week after retiring from work 35 years ago, swimming 32 lengths in 30 minutes.
Today, he still completes over 20 lengths during his 40 minute swim despite, by his own admission, his pace gradually slowing.
He said his longevity in swimming was "down to good genes" plus the regular physical exercise he undertakes by swimming and walking.
The centenarian travels from Cobham every time he wants to swim, and he said that the life-long friends he's made at the pool down the years are another key part of his motivation:
"The social side of meeting and chatting with my friends is definitely as important as the physical exercise, especially since losing my wife," Lawrence said.
Councillor David Draper, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure, described Lawrence as "inspirational":
"No one can believe he is a 100 years old. He is a fantastic example of what regular exercise can do to maintain someone’s mobility and wellbeing.
"It is very clear to see in Lawrence’s case not only the physical, but the social benefits that leisure facilities can have."
Dave Clark, assistant manager for Fusion at the Centre, meanwhile said that the Leisure Centre "counts itself lucky to have been able to be a part of such a momentous occasion" celebrating Lawrence's birthday with everyone.
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