A MUM has thanked fitness instructors for filming a workout video for her daughter, who has a weak muscle condition and learning disabilities.

Justine Taylor, of Field Street, Padiham, has praised exercise tutors at Burnley Leisure for recording a special online video workout for her daughter, Olivia Taylor, who has had hypotonia since birth.

This causes weak muscle tone throughout her body including her eye muscles.

Olivia, aged 21, usually swims at Padiham Leisure Centre two or three times a week with her mum or her carer.

However, she has been unable to go there since Burnley Leisure centres were temporarily closed for the lockdown.

During the lockdown, Burnley Leisure and staff have been given unpaid furlough status in keeping with government announcements.

But as volunteers, they are helping with training and delivering a programme of online content on Burnley Leisure websites and social media.

Her mum, Justine, aged 50, said: “Olivia doesn’t understand the seriousness of the coronavirus situation.

“But she really misses swimming, seeing her college friends and visiting town. These are just some of the restrictions impacting on her.

“At home, she tried to join-in the exercises that I do.

“But, unfortunately, her hypotonia meant that she struggled with my routines.”

Justine contacted Sarah Drinkwater, the manager at Padiham Leisure Centre, on Facebook and asked if her team would do a little routine for Olivia.

Justine said: “Oh my goodness, they did not disappoint.

“The fitness instructor, Rebecca McDevitt, known as ‘Bex’ put together a special online workout for Olivia and gave her a shout-out.

“The routine is ideal for Olivia. She felt really included and we now use Bex’s video as part of Olivia’s daily routine at home.

“This simple act of kindness has made a massive difference to Olivia and to me.

“Those guys at Burnley Leisure absolutely rock. We now put Facebook on our TV and watch the Burnley Leisure videos.”

“I know the whole community is going through the storm of the coronavirus. But for Olivia, and many others with special needs, it is especially difficult when their usual routines are ended.

Olivia added her praise, she said: “Bex is a great tutor.

“She is very funny and makes me laugh. I really like her. She did different exercise routines with me in mind, including a combat and an aerobics routine to some great music.

“They are all really good routines.”