Barbara Coates could never have known that her love for ice skating in the 1970s would turn out to play such a significant role in later life.

As a teenager, 55-year-old Barbara, from Walkley, in Sheffield, found her forte on the ice. It wasn’t the lessons she started at the age of 12, but the atmosphere of a Saturday night, skating beneath spotlights and listening to the resident DJ in the 70s that kept Barbara in the rink.

However, when she was 52, Barbara was diagnosed with a serious mental illness that almost ended her life. After a damaging fall, she was left scarred and traumatised, developing Psychosis, an illness that led Barbara to stop eating and drinking. When she finally made it into hospital doctors told Barbara she would have only lasted another 24 hours without medical help.

Barbara’s extremely strong will and determination is helping her to fight the condition. And earlier this year she got back in the rink at iceSheffield after being inspired by Storying Sheffield.

Barbara said: “I was asked to share my story for a University of Sheffield project called Storying Sheffield, and after delving into my past love for ice skating I made the brave decision to revisit the ice. Storying Sheffield enabled me to get back onto the ice, and this has truly made such a positive impact upon my life.

“Since the project I have been ice skating at least twice every week. I really enjoy it. The people who go aren’t taking up ice skating for the first time but revisiting the ice. The ice helps them, like me, it recaptures the fun of the 70s.”

Barbara attends over 50s classes at iceSheffield every Monday morning. The sessions allow over 50s to skate without crowds of people around. They also provide a social environment where people can share their memories and stories, as well as improving peoples health.

Barbara added: “Doctors have told me that the ice is having a great physical impact as well as helping me mentally become stronger. The gliding movement on the ice is strengthening my bad back and helping me to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“At first I was scared to go back. I don’t like being on my own, but out on the ice you’re surrounded by people. It’s a great hobby to have.”

Mandy Parker, general manager for iceSheffield said: “Our over 50s class is really popular and it’s great to hear that, thanks to our range and variety of skating sessions, someone who loved the ice when they were 15 can still enjoy it at 55.

“Ice skating is healthy, relaxing and sociable and Barbara is great proof that it can have a positive impact on life.”