Two brave youngsters

Nine-year-old Daniel from Bodle Crescent, Sidley, is totally blind and struggles with his weight due to medications and growth hormone injections but this has not stopped the brave youngster learning to swim.

No less tenacious is 11 year-old Liam, from Hooe, who has severe asthma but through a lot of determination has become an excellent swimmer.

Now the children's bravery and hard work has paid off after they each received a Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever of the Year award from Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, at a special ceremony at Bewl Water (pictured right).

The Achiever of the Year awards are given to children who have shown great courage in overcoming particular difficulties or for exceptional performance.

Fifty awards are given annually from amongst the 40,000 children taking part in the scheme from across the southeast.

Duncan presented both the children with a medal, a certificate and a bag of goodies in front of proud family and friends.

Duncan said: "Both boys have achieved so much despite their medical problems. Swimming lessons help children gain confidence, keep fit and have fun, in a safe, supervised environment. Daniel and Liam have made excellent progress on the Learn to Swim scheme and they are worthy winners of the award."

Daniel swims with the Silverdale Swim School and his instructor Tracey Peppiatt is helped by Mrs Yvonne Thomas, Daniel's grandmother.

Mrs Thomas said: "Daniel has no fear of the water and loves his swimming lessons as this is the only sport where he can be truly independent. Both his school and his family are very happy he was nominated by Southern Water for this award as it will raise awareness of the development and progression that disabled children can achieve if given the opportunity."

Liam swims at Val's Swim School and his instructor Kelly Govan said: "Liam has severe asthma and whilst not unusual it is still life threatening. Despite his condition, Liam has made excellent progress from starting lessons as a non-swimmer to becoming a swimmer in the top group. Liam is always cheerful and a pleasure to teach."

The Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme is taught at more than 70 pools and clubs throughout Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

This year will see the 500,000th child learn to swim on the scheme making it one of the longest and most successful sports sponsorships in the UK.

The Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme is run in partnership with Southern Water contractors 4 Delivery and Morrison and is supported by Savills, Berwin Leighton Paisner Solicitors, Mott MacDonald and RPS Chartered Planning.