Tora and Arlene’s Story

We caught up with Tora and Arlene who enjoy para badminton sessions at Kings Canterbury. They share how the sessions have helped them physically, boosting their confidence and creating a sense of belonging.

Tora told us “I’ve grown in my physical ability, my confidence on court and I can move back and forwards now and not worry about falling over. So, it’s really improved my overall fitness and I’m getting better and better.”

Arlene said “I didn’t feel I fitted in anywhere, I hadn’t found anywhere that I felt comfortable, and from the very first class I just felt that I’d come home, if that makes sense, it was home straight away. It is my life now, and my friends – I’ve got MS, and my friends from the MS centre say they’ve never seen me so happy.”

Tora added “I wouldn’t have done it without the help and support of the coaches here, and especially Lesley, because she’s just amazing. Badminton for me has been life changing.”