Across the line

By Kate Hassett

Bailey celebrates with his Dad Jonathan at the finishing line of the Castle Howard Triathlon. 

Ross Parry / SWNS Group
Bailey celebrates with his Dad Jonathan at the finishing line of the Castle Howard Triathlon. Ross Parry / SWNS Group
Boy with cerebral palsy finishes triathlon walking-aid free.

8-year-old Bailey Matthews is everything we admire in the most revered of athletes.

Completing a triathlon in England last weekend, Bailey’s accomplishments are made all the more spectacular by his ability to overcome the hurdles that would hold back many of his competitors.

Bailey Matthews suffers from cerebral palsy, a diagnosis he was given at just 18-months old. The condition, which affects his motor skills, often makes everyday movement difficult.

Ross Parry / SWNS Group

 

When his father adapted his usual walking frame to make movement more manageable, Bailey’s life was turned around.

Suddenly, the activities that Bailey loved to participate in, but unfortunately, was often left out of, were made completely available to him.

“The majority of what he does is self-propelled” said Jonathan Matthews, Bailey’s father.

“He is more than eager to get out and do something. If we can make that easier for him then that is what we will do!”

Bailey refused to give up and instead set his sights on completing the Castle Howard Triathlon in North Yorkshire – the children’s race that included a 100m swim, 4km bike ride and 1.3k run.

Ross Parry / SWNS Group

 

Hundreds of spectators cheered on Bailey as he pushed to cross the line, walking-frame free and full of pride.

“We have always tried to make sure that if there is something he wants to do,” Matthews told the Yorkshire Post, “There is no such word as ‘can’t’.”

Ross Parry / SWNS Group
Ross Parry / SWNS Group

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login