AN UPTON teenager with a little understood disability will complete an epic challenge to raise funds for his future this month.
George Rogers, 14, represents England’s cerebral palsy team as a swimmer, competing in both 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre breaststroke categories.
But despite his successes, the Corfe Hills schoolboy’s training and races are too expensive, and he faces being forced to stop competing.
Mum Sam, of Ropers Lane, said: “George started off wheelchair racing, but a big operation for him went wrong and he just wasn’t able to do it anymore. It was a really difficult few years for him, but he never stops – he’s always looking for the next thing, and eventually he found his way to swimming.”
Although at first the plucky teen struggled to swim a width of the pool, he caught the eye of a coach, who saw something special.
“George is already going to regional and national competitions, and it’s very expensive,” said Sam.
“Friends and family have been incredibly kind and helped us to raise enough to get him there. But George decided that he needed to do it for himself.”
George launched fundraising mission Head 2 Home at the beginning of the year, and has trained steadily ever since.
On September 21, he will start at Hengistbury Head and use a wheelchair, kayak, walking frame and handcycle to get all the way back home. Sam said: “George’s swimming costs us around £5,000 every year.
“If he goes to international competitions, that number doubles.
“George is really brilliant.
“He’s already just three seconds off the international time. But he needs enough money to continue with his training and take part in these races, and he’ll never stop trying.”
George trains with the West Dorset Warriors in Dorchester twice a week, but needs a club closer to home.
To sponsor George visit www.head2home.com.
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