Sponsor Aquatic Therapy for Mexican Children

I am pleased to say that I have been indirectly connected with Therapies Unite for many years, although my active involvement truly began during my time as President of the Rotary Club of Audley in 2017/18.

At the District 1210 Conference in Harrogate, I listened to Laura Brown de Rodriguez speak about the charity that she had founded, with a vision to support members of the disabled community in Puerto Vallarta. Part of the work of the Therapies Unite was to use aquatic therapy to transform lives. It was one of those moments that stays with you—her passion, determination, and belief in what could be achieved were genuinely inspiring.

From that point on, supporting Therapies Unite felt like an easy decision. Back in the UK, through Rotary, we organised fundraising events and were fortunate to secure a matching grant, helping to provide staff training and specialist equipment to support swimmers getting safely in and out of the pool. Still, despite this involvement, the reality of the work being done remained something I could only imagine from over 5,000 miles away.

That changed in March this year, when I travelled to Puerto Vallarta to see it for myself.

Arriving at the pool, that is generously offered free of charge by Club Vallarta, I immediately sensed that this was more than just a place for therapy. The setting itself was impressive, but it was the people and the purpose that truly brought it to life. Club Vallarta’s wider mission—to support children from low-income families with opportunities they might not otherwise have—felt closely aligned with the spirit of Therapies Unite.

As the afternoon began, I was struck by the diversity of the swimmers. Each individual came with their own challenges—cerebral palsy, severe visual impairment, and other complex conditions—but also with determination and trust in the process.

The first session, for adolescents and adults, was calm, focused, and highly personal. Two of the Mexico based aqua-therapy team - Laura and Mariano - worked one-to-one with each swimmer, guiding them through carefully tailored exercises. There was a quiet professionalism to their work, but also warmth and encouragement in every interaction.

Then came the second session—the younger group, affectionately known as the “Catrin Penguins.” Under the leadership of Nadia – Therapies Unite's Lead Physiotherapist in Puerto Vallarta - the pool filled with laughter, singing, and games. What stood out most was how therapy and joy were seamlessly combined; the children were clearly benefiting, but just as clearly, they were having fun.

Throughout both sessions, volunteers and family members played an essential role, both in and out of the water. Parents worked with their children, offering reassurance and encouragement, while volunteers supported wherever needed. There was a genuine sense of community—a shared commitment to helping each swimmer succeed.

I was invited into the water to work alongside Mariano and Oswaldo, one of the original “penguins,” now a young man. It was a privilege to spend time with him and to see first-hand how the therapy supports his wellbeing. I also was able to join in the games with the younger group, and share the fun that they were so clearly enjoying.

That afternoon, more than anything I had seen or heard before, brought home the real impact of the charity’s work. My entire time with Catrin's Penguins carried a sense of energy and positivity—a quiet buzz that never faded. It wasn’t just about therapy sessions; it was about connection, progress, and dignity.

Reflecting on the experience, I thought back to our fundraising efforts at the Rotary Club of Audley, including a memorable event with Brian Lott, who spoke about his time working as Executive Chef to Nelson Mandela. At the time, those events felt worthwhile—but seeing the programme in action gave them a whole new meaning.

Visiting Therapies Unite in person turned distance into understanding. It transformed an abstract cause into something real, human, and deeply moving.

It is, quite simply, a reminder of what can be achieved when compassion, expertise, and community come together—and why continued support for this remarkable charity matters so much.

Paul Barrow

Rotary Club of Audley (District 1210, UK)
Paul Harris Fellow / Past President

Links:

• http://www.therapiesunite.com