It was a memorable day on 3rd June for charity leader Theresa Fuoco BEM when she was invited to Buckingham Palace for a special reception and presented to Her Majesty the Queen.

Knaphill resident Theresa Fuoco BEM, 50, vice-chair and swim co-ordinator for Surrey Dolphins Swimobility, was one of thousands selected for the royal garden party but one of just a handful who got to meet HM the Queen. Mrs Fuoco was accompanied by her husband, John, to the event and daughters Rosie and Georgina.

And it was another chance to celebrate for Mrs Fuoco, who lives in Knaphill, after she was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List in January. During the exclusive event at the palace, Mrs Fuoco, who runs the club which offers swimming and water therapy to swimmers with physical disabilities, got the chance to discuss the valuable work she does with the Queen.

The assisted swim charity is based at Woking Leisure Centre and offers a real lifeline to adults across Surrey who have the chance to swim and exercise in a safe and friendly environment. Those who volunteer with Mrs Fuoco describe her as an individual who goes above and beyond for the individuals she works with, including visiting unwell members in hospital and is a great advocate on their behalf.

Speaking about meeting HM the Queen, Mrs Fuoco said:

“It was all a bit surreal but the Queen asked lots about the charity.
“She knows Guildford and Woking but she hasn’t been for a while and she talked to my children about their jobs.
“It was really special.”

To celebrate Mrs Fuoco’s success, there will be a Picnic in the Park for members of the charity on Thursday July 3 at Woking’s Pool in the Park.

For more information please contact Pauline Hare by email on pauline.hare@live.co.uk
To find out more about the work of the Surrey Dolphins, visit http://www.surreydolphins.org.uk.