A GRANDMOTHER who has been terrified of taking the plunge for more than four decades has told how she conquered her fear of swimming for her honeymoon.

Rebecca-Jane Cottis, 44, has been afraid of water ever since she tried to learn to swim a length at primary school.

But, with a honeymoon and the chance to swim with dolphins in Mexico looming, the mum-of-four as started taking lessons at Fusion Leisure Centre, in Spinks Lane, Witham.

Rebecca-Jane is getting married to Stuart Ginn in December before jetting off to Central America next year.

On her first lesson with Stella, her instructor, she was so afraid she could not even put on her swimming costume.

Rebecca-Jane said: “It came about when I was at school when I was told if you didn’t do a width of doggy paddle the teacher would throw us in.

“The fear of water was bizarre, because I felt like it was drawing me, pulling me in almost teasing me. Watching things where people were drowning on TV or splashing about made me catch my breath even sitting on my sofa.”

Rebecca-Jane, who also has three stepchildren and four grandchildren, feels learning to swim will finally let her get fully involved in family life.

She added: “I can now take my grandchildren swimming – just because I can. I am so excited that I seem to be overcoming my worst fears.

“Swimming is also great for getting in shape before my wedding and I cannot begin to explain the freedom I feel, once I am in the water.

“Before I couldn’t even get in a hot tub with bubbles, but now I have one in my room on my honeymoon.”

Visit: www.fusion-lifestyle.com/adultswim.