The Gateway: A Guest Blog from Roger Cook!

I was invited to go to The Gateway by my good friend Alistair (McDonald; Director, Business Relationships) to try out some of their facilities. This was an offer I simply could not refuse!

Upon arrival (by car from the North) I noted that the main roads were as expected, then when we got closer to the destination – which is very visible from aforementioned ‘main roads’ was a very new and fresh looking building – further approach roads were well laid out leading easily and directly to an outstandingly attractive building! It must also be added that on this route you can see that The Gateway is situated welcomingly near other notable builds such as the home of Middlesborough Football Club, the Transporter Bridge, the Temenos sculpture, Middlesborough College and that the town itself is close by too. This added to the already appealing visit invite!

After I entered The Gateway, I felt welcomed; a very comfortable entrance reception and staff made for a warm and friendly arrival.

As a guest to try some of what they offer, I was first given a tour of (Community) Wellbeing Hub which features a swimming area, showering area/s, gym and treatment rooms. My first thoughts? Similar to a 5* Hotel! Not that I’ve visited a 5* Hotel before but that is what I thought. Hardly a bad thing!

First facility for me to try was the swimming area, or Hydrotherapy Pool, which I was looking forward to as I hadn’t been swimming anywhere for a year or 2, maybe 3! Before one goes swimming one must yet changed. Stating the obvious? Yes, but by doing that I can highlight the changing area/s. Due to the nature of what Keiro Gdo with regards to neurological conditions, every aspect has been thoroughly thought out, including changing areas! There are 2. A wet one and a dry one! A fantastic innovation in my book; especially maintaining the FULLY ACCESSIBLE model that is a use there; hoists everywhere for those that may require the use of during any treatment. To the pool!

The pool. Adjoined to the pool is a warm Jacuzzi with 2 optional settings for bubbles if desired; also with easy access. The pool itself has low-gradient stairs and roof hoist fittings as well, and sits comfortably at 33°C – very relaxing! After a reminder that I can still swim (!), I went to the purposeful hydro showering area and enjoyed using the hydro showers in the spacious area; but that was after a quick steam in the steam room!

Next up for me was a massage, a treatment I don’t think anybody could knock. After a chat with Diane about me and my health I received THE best and most relaxing massage I have ever had. Fact. I haven’t felt like that for a long time. Thank you Diane!

Superb massage well received. What was next? Something from another therapist. Well in the holistic domain now! A choice of Hypnotherapy or Reiki was discussed over a nice chat with Sue and I chose to go for the latter. Reiki is another alternative treatment which gets a lot cynical followers shall we say. Not Reiki directly but all those within the holistic brigade. Am I / was I a cynic? Possibly but... After a session with Sue, with an open mind I felt better again! Thank you Sue!

So in conclusion (sounds a bit formal!) I can happily say thank you to Alistair, Keiro and The Gateway team for offering me the chance to experience some of the features you have. Thank you to Diane for that massage which will take some beating. Thank you to Sue for reinstating my faith in holistic treatments. As a Multiple Sclerosis sufferer who sleeps poorly, I can heartedly recommend The Gateway to anybody with – or without - any disability, as to my knowledge it is 100% accessible with fantastic and knowledgeable staff (with a tremendous café to boot!); I slept well!

Roger Cook