For over four decades, regular SWELL Palmerston member Laurie has faced a series of health challenges that would have stopped many people in their tracks.
Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at just 20 years old, Laurie was told he would likely be using a wheelchair by 40 and would not live beyond 50. Now 67, Laurie has outlived all of his doctors’ predictions.
Today, Laurie attends SWELL Palmerston three to four times a week, using hydrotherapy to stay active, manage pain and connect with his community.
His goal is simple: to make it to 84 years old so he can watch all his grandchildren celebrate their 21st birthdays.
In support of patrons during Senior’s Month in the Northern Territory, SWELL Palmerston is also holding a free social Come and Try Day during August to help seniors build both strength and positive connections, thanks to a generous grant of $2000 from the Department of Sport, Leisure and Recreation.
SWELL patrons are being treated to free aqua exercise classes, yoga classes, circuit classes, afternoon tea and door prizes.
A lifetime of determination
As a teenager, Laurie was a national swimming champion and was determined not to let his diagnosis define him.
To stay strong, he committed to regular exercise and attended the gym five days a week. However, at 45, his muscular dystrophy progressed and he was forced to stop exercising.
Over the following years, Laurie faced a number of significant health challenges, including prostate cancer, vascular peripheral disease and kidney cancer.
In 2019, after more than 15 surgeries aimed at saving his leg, Laurie underwent a below-knee amputation. Just three days later, complications from an infection resulted in an above-knee amputation.
Most recently, in 2025, Laurie underwent surgery to remove a kidney following a kidney cancer diagnosis and completed chemotherapy treatment.
Despite everything he has faced, Laurie remains focused on what he can do rather than what he cannot.
“Having to take breaks from the pool has been my greatest challenge,” Laurie said.
Finding strength through hydrotherapy
For Laurie, hydrotherapy has become an important part of maintaining his independence and quality of life.
Regular sessions at SWELL Palmerston help him manage pain, maintain strength and continue doing the activities he enjoys.
“Hydrotherapy helps me keep my strength up, manage my pain and stay connected with other people,” Laurie said.
The social connections he has built at the venue have become just as important as the physical benefits.
As a familiar face around the venue, Laurie is known for making the journey from a rural area several times each week, often arriving with his carer and always finding time for a chat with fellow members and staff.
Inspiring everyone around him
SWELL Palmerston Venue Manager Ashley Stephens said Laurie’s resilience continues to inspire the entire team.
“Laurie absolutely blows me away with what he has been through,” Ashley said.
“Not only is he a medical marvel, but he is just an incredible man to boot; he drives himself and his carer to SWELL from a rural area, always has time for a yarn with everyone and is one of our favourite people here.”
Celebrating seniors and community connection
Laurie’s story comes as SWELL Palmerston prepares to celebrate Seniors Month in the Northern Territory with a free Seniors Come and Try Day, designed to help older Territorians build strength, confidence and meaningful social connections.
Senior members are an important part of the SWELL community and the venue was recently recognised with a Community Appreciation Award for providing older Territorians with essential access to hydrotherapy services.
The venue has also celebrated significant member achievements, including supporting a senior member to complete 100 laps at the venue.
Dedicated Exercise Physiologist Emerse works closely with senior members and leads a range of older-adult programs including circuit classes, warm water walking and gentle exercise sessions.
“The Seniors Come and Try Day is creating a space for seniors to meet new, like-minded people,” Emerse said. “It brings me joy to help them reach their fullest potential.
“This is a great way for both regulars and new patrons to boost their physical and social wellbeing.”
Supporting healthy ageing in Palmerston
SWELL Palmerston provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to improve their health and wellbeing through accessible aquatic and exercise programs.
Hydrotherapy offers a low-impact way to stay active, helping to support strength, mobility, pain management and social connection for people living with chronic health conditions, recovering from illness or injury, or looking to maintain an active lifestyle.
To learn more about SWELL Palmerston, visit the website here.
Key facts:
- Participant: Laurie
- Venue: SWELL Palmerston
- Frequency: Three to four hydrotherapy sessions per week
- Initial diagnosis: Muscular dystrophy at age 20
- Medical prognosis: Told he would likely require a wheelchair by 40 and would not live beyond 50. Current age: 67
- Additional health challenges: Prostate cancer, vascular peripheral disease, above-knee amputation and kidney cancer
- Hydrotherapy benefits: Supports strength, pain management and social connection
- Community impact: Inspires fellow members and demonstrates the benefits of staying active and connected through aquatic exercise
- Initiative: Free Seniors Come and Try Day at SWELL Palmerston during Seniors Month
- Programs available: Circuit classes, warm water walking and gentle exercise sessions led by Exercise Physiologist Emerse
