"I really enjoy what I am doing and want to go further in my sport, County
Durham Foundation and the Darlington Fund has helped me to do this."
Christopher is eleven years old and lives with his family in Darlington. Christopher was born with severe food intolerances which are caused by an enzyme deficiency. Because of this his digestive system is only able to tolerate a total of twenty food and drink items. Christopher has also experienced problems with certain types of clothing and has experienced a severe reaction. All of Christopher's swimwear now has to be tested before he wears them. Christopher is committed to his sport and trains twice a week, to do this he has to get up a 4.40am and travel 20 miles. Christopher is currently UK national Champion at 200 metres Butterfly and Scottish National Champion within his age group. He is currently ranked second in the country for the 100 metre butterfly and is in the top ten in seven other events. Christopher has been invited to take part in a World Class Selection Day. His parents fund both him and his sister to swim, train and attend national events. Christopher and his sister also participate in fund raising events to assist their continued involvement in swimming. They are seeking funding to cover training fees, gala entries, accommodation, training camps, and travelling costs. He is ineligible for any grants from the Sports Council.
A
grant of £480 was given to Christopher from the Guy Readman/Tor Coatings
Young Peoples Fund help him continue to train and compete as a swimmer at
a national level for a year.
He was able to take part in more events throughout the year as a result. This has been a great help as it has meant that Christopher can defend his titles at Scottish and UK National Championships.