Teenager 'humbled' by online boost

A FUNDING drive by a Strathpeffer teenager highlighted in the Ross-shire Journal has smashed its target, keeping alive his hopes of representing Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Fin Graham issued a crowd-funding plea to help raise £6500 for equipment, travel and accommodation in pursuit of his dream of landing a fully funded place in Manchester on the GB Cycling programme.

Fin said he was humbled by the response after the target was exceeded by £1000 within days — with many donations coming from people inspired by his story. Born with two club feet and no calf muscle in his right leg, he races using a leg splint which now may need replaced by a purpose-built one.

He said: "I’m really touched by the level of support. There are many people who donated who I don’t know and that support is very humbling. This makes me more determined than ever. It proves that people support me and I feel like I want to repay that faith they have had in me with good results. I’ve been having some problems with my splint recently and it may be that I have to go private and look to get one that is specially made. The surplus raised would be a massive help towards that. It’s basically a part of me and something that I need."

Mum Dee said: "I know there are so many worthy causes and needy stories out there and so this response is very touching. I think Fin’s story has inspired people. He is just so incredibly determined and ready for the next step. With the extra money we may need to look at finding a carbon-based splint which could cost £1000. It is, as he says, an extension of himself. We’re very proud of him."

He’s ready to start work at a Glasgow bike shop close to the velodrome where he trains.

His fundraising page can be found at https:/uk.gofundme.com/support-fin039s-paralympic-dream