Our daughter Leah 14, is a keen swimmer and member of the Bingham Penguins and Nottinghamshire Nova Disability squads. Training over 4 hours a week.

She takes part in as many competitions and swimming galas as she can however these are few and far between and for her to progress further into National / International events she needs to gain a classification.

Leah has a number of difficulties, most prominently Autism/Learning difficulties and Ehlers Danlos Sydrome Type 3. Autism is not a classification on its own and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is not eligible for a classification either despite being a lifelong debilitating condition. A ‘physical’ disability can be assessed and classified relatively easily, whereas Leah’s afflictions cannot.

To start the process of gaining an S14 qualification Leah needs to undertake an IQ test. This includes a ‘WISC’ test along side an Adaptive Behaviour assessment, both performed by an Educational Psychologist. A Psychologist recommended to us by Swim England would charge £350 for this service.

She was recently nominated for of the Nottinghamshire Outstanding Achievement 4Uth award, winning the Newark & Sherwood area. This puts her forward as a finalist for the whole of Nottinghamshire. It is an award given to those who achieve a great deal and push their personal boundaries, in Leah's case it is her commitment to swimming despite her disabilities and difficulties.

Please help us to hit our target and take Leah’s swimming to another level!