Boy, 9, With Cerebral Palsy Crosses Triathlon Finish Line Unaided To Huge Cheers

A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy has courageously completed a triathlon for the second year running - knocking seven minutes off his previous time.

Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster, cast his walking frame aside just before the finish line to complete the course unaided.

He threw his arms into the air and lapped up the applause from the crowd at the children’s triathlon at Castle Howard in York.

He finished the race - which comprised a 100m swim, a 4km bike ride and a 1.3km run - in a time of one hour and 20 minutes, seven minutes quicker than his effort last year.

His supporters tweeted their encouragement for him using the #BeMoreBailey hashtag.

His father, Johnathan Matthews, said: “I’m so proud of him, it’s great to be back.

“He’s given this 100 per cent. He never talks or brags about it, he never even mentions it, he just gets on with life and working hard to be a great triathlete.

“I don’t think he fully understands just what an achievement it is.”

Bailey’s mother, Julie, said: “It’s a year since Bailey completed the Castle Howard triathlon and I can’t believe how much our lives have changed since then.

“It’s amazing to see how many children he’s inspired and we’re so proud of the amount of people who’s lives he has made a difference to.”

Bailey emulated his finish from last year, when he also abandoned his walking aid at the finish line.

In the past year, he has received a Pride of Britain Award and the BBC Helen Rollason Sports Personality of the Year Award, while meeting David Beckham and Simon Cowell along the way.

His father said: “Bailey sees himself to be no different to others and just wants to give everything ago.

“He did exactly that at Castle Howard triathlon and has come back to do more this year.”

(Pictures: SWNS)