A member of White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre has been interviewed by the BBC’s See Hear programnme for a feature about access for deaf people to gyms and health clubs.

Margaret Brown joined the centre in 2003 and introduced some of the staff to British Sign Language so they could communicate better.

Margaret and the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre came to the attention of the BBC See Hear staff through the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) website.

She told the BBC: “I had breast cancer in 2002 and shortly after I had the operation it was discovered that I had osteoporosis. My doctor referred me to the leisure centre where I had a gym induction and brought a Sign Language Communicator with me so that I could follow what the instructor was explaining about each piece of equipment.”

“Julie in the gym was interested in learning sign language,” Margaret continued, “so I started teaching her and if I was not sure of what I was supposed to do she would explain through sign language. Julie joined the British Sign Language Level 1 class and has just taken her third unit exam!”

Marie, one of the centre’s RPM Instructors, has been helping Margaret to continue in the RPM classes by writing down what she explains to the others.

“That has been a great help,” said Margaret. “I was introduced to RPM earlier this year and the instructor moved the bike to the right place so that I could see better and was able to join in.”

She added: “The staff at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre have been very supportive and I enjoy going there. I hope more deaf people will join the Leisure Centre.”

White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre is managed by Community Leisure Services. Details: www.communityleisure.co.uk

Photograph: (from left) Margaret Brown, Julie (gym instructor), Marie (RPM instructor), Caroline Sellon, director of BBC See Hear