Gill Atherton's Healthwatch

JONATHON Squires suffers from cerebral palsy, his limbs are weak and he has trouble walking.

But the brave 17-year-old, who attends Moorfield School in Blackpool Road, Preston, doesn't let it hold him back.

Jonathon has had to contend with the debilitating condition since birth but he is determined to enjoy life like any other youngster.

The wheelchair-bound youth gets involved in all sorts of community projects and has even taken up swimming recently.

It isn't just for fun that Jonathon's dived in at the deep end, it's his way of saying thank-you to the school which has given him the chance to enjoy as normal a life as possible.

Jonathon is doing a sponsored swim to raise money for Moorfield before he leaves this summer.

He is determined to swim 20 lengths of Fulwood Leisure Centre in the stunt which other children without a disability would find difficult enough.

But Jonathon has had to contend with aching limbs and a lack of coordination to prepare for the event which takes place this Saturday, June 14. Until a few weeks ago it took him 20 minutes to swim one length - now, after just six weeks training and a lot of hard work, he can do it in three!

Jonathon explained what motivates him: "It's for my school," he said: "I'm leaving in July and I want to give it as a leaving present. I want to give something back."

Jonathon trains with his carer Carl Bradshaw, whom he credits for encouraging to do the demanding swim.

Carl said: "Throughout his life he's been committed to improving. He tries really hard at everything he does. He goes out and about and doesn't let anything stop him." Jonathon has struggled with aching legs and fatigue but he's kept going and has even improved his own health by doing so.

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