A European firstTasha Lendon, General Manager of the Aspire National Training Centre in Middlesex, is used to being at the forefront of her field. She runs Europe’s first leisure centre that makes no distinction between disabled and non-disabled people. “We are the first facility to provide ramped access to a public swimming pool and all our services are integrated. We aim to break down the barriers for disabled people,” she proudly explains. “Everything is available to everyone, all of the time.”

To reach this point, Tasha and her staff have adopted new ways of thinking and new ways of working, supported by the latest technology and facilities. But as a registered charity, a keen eye has to be

The Aspire National Training Centre is the first fully integrated gym and sports centre in Europe for disabled and non-disabled people. The high-tech facility plays a unique role in encouraging disabled people to take part in a range of activities, hosting an average of 800 visitors daily.

Case study

kept on the Centre’s finances. “We like to move with technology but we have to be sure of the benefits before investing in it,” she adds.

Exceeding expectationsI first saw the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer in a shopping centre in Wimbledon and I thought it was amazing,” she recalls. “I thought it was very high-tech but never thought I’d be able to get them fitted at the Training Centre. I thought it would be too expensive.” But when Tasha visited the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer stand at the Leisure Industry Week trade show, she discovered it didn’t cost as much as she imagined.

To try the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer or for more information call:

0800 345 7788 (UK) 1-800-932630 (ROI)www.dysonairblade.co.uk or www.dysonairblade.ie

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“The Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers were more convenient for people in wheelchairs to use because they were quicker and easier. People didn’t have to be there so long because they’re so fast.”

Tasha Lendon, General Manager,

Aspire National Training Centre

“We arranged for Dyson to come to visit and we launched a three month trial. People loved them immediately,” she reveals. The Centre mounted the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers lower on the wall for access. “They were more convenient for people in wheelchairs to use because they were quicker and easier. People didn’t have to be there so long because they’re so fast. There was no way we could take them out after that!”

Thankfully, Tasha says, the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers were more affordable than she thought. “We were able to work to minimise the costs with the rental agreement. Now we’re considering placing more Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers elsewhere in the Centre.”