An Inverness athlete – the only male Scottish swimmer at the European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Italy next month – has been putting in the lengths as part of a challenge to help fund his trip.
Matthew McCreadie, 19, is taking part in an extensive fundraising challenge to raise vital cash to allow him to compete at the event after being unable to land funding from sports bodies.
The Inverness Swimming Club star will be in action for Team GB after he was selected for the competition in Padova from September 3-10.
The former Millburn Academy pupil has been excelling in the pool in recent years, but rising costs to compete have already cost his family more than £9,000 in 2023 alone.
Matthew set the ambitious aim of swimming 1,473 lengths this month, with each length representing a mile between the Highland capital and the Italian town of Padova.
After having a much-needed rest at the start of August, he has just about reached the 800-length mark.
Visual chart helps Matthew track challenge progress
Organiser John Carson posted the following message on Matthew’s GoFundMe page – which shows he has raised £3,425 at the time of writing. The initial target was £500.
Carson wrote: “Firstly, we would like to thank you all. We are overwhelmed by everyone’s support and kindness.
“Matthew started his Swimming Challenge (last) Monday after having a week off to rest. He has done extremely well and has swum a total of 390 lengths.
“For Matthew, figures mean very little. The number 1,473 can quite easily, in his head, be any number. Therefore, as I did for him last year for his Archie Fundraiser, I have devised another visual chart for him.
“Each dot on the chart represents 25 metres. After a session, a green dot is placed to show him how far he has swum and just how much he still needs to do.
“He is already loving this challenge. So much so, he woke us up at 5am this morning all kitted out in his Inverness Swimming kit, ready to go.”
Personal best would be amazing feat for Matthew on international bow
Matthew has never been in action in international competitions or in a 50-metre pool before, so the European Championships will provide these new tests for him.
The determined Highlander was in Sunderland last week for his last GB training camp before he goes to Italy.
His mum Susan explained the Euros, which are now under a fortnight away, will provide Matthew with a great opportunity to test himself at a higher level, but he will do so with a smile on his face.
She said: “International swimming is all new to Matthew and until he gets there, he won’t realise the enormity of it. The main thing is he goes, embraces it and enjoys it and has fun.
“He can then see what it’s about and what his goals are. If he was, for example, to come away with a personal best, that would be amazing. This is a whole new level.
“There are three girls in the GB squad, two from Ayrshire (Laura Logan and Cerys McCrindle) and one from Arbroath (Beth Greig), and Matthew is the only Scottish male.
“This highlights to others that everyone can enjoy sporting activities and be part of a team.
“You meet people from all walks of life. On the GoFundMe page, there are a couple of swimmers we met in 2019 in Tenerife, one from Germany and one from Luxembourg, who have both donated. We are overwhelmed by the support – it has been amazing.”
‘Matthew loves a challenge’ – mum
Susan, who initially was reluctant to fundraise online, explained how seeing her son get the opportunity to excel in competitions further highlights why letting him flourish in his beloved sport matters.
She said: “Living in the Highlands makes the cost that little bit more, with more travelling to do. Being in a sport at national or international level comes at a cost to any athlete.
“When you see Matthew with the other swimmers, who are just like him, and the interaction, he is just as they are. It’s amazing and it makes the driving, the costs, everything worthwhile.
“It’s lovely to see him progress and have a focus.
“The challenge gives him a focus – and Matthew loves a challenge.”
Bowled over by widespread kindness
The family fully appreciate every pound pledged for the cause to help Matthew compete and Susan offered an insight into some of kindness they have received from others.
Susan said: “Louise from Fettes Sawmill said she had read Matthew’s story and would like to meet him. She chatted to Matthew about his swimming which was lovely.
“She was so taken by his story. She said to Matthew that she would like to present him with a cheque. I was very emotional by her kindness.
“Many people I have worked with in Glasgow and London 30-40 years ago have also donated, which is fabulous.
“I generally keep friends and family up to date on social media about Matthew, his progress and his antics, of which there are many.
“People sharing such stories gives hope to others. It’s all about perseverance to give him and others every opportunity.”
Readers can donate by searching for Matthew McCreadie- Swimmer Challenge at gofundme.com
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