Superhero teen with cerebral palsy proves that having disability is no barrier in sport – Chronicle Live

Lucy Scott was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 22 months old.

Despite this, Lucy, is determined to not let her disability get in her way as she took part in a triathlon.

Alongside her dad, Luke, 35, and twin sister, Molly, 11, the inspirational 11-year-old completed all three stages including the 100m open water swim, 3K bike ride, and the 11k run.

Now in it's third year, the Superhero Tri Powered by Marvel, Windsor, draws heroes with a mental or physical disability from across the country to take part.

Lucy loved every minute competing at the event, she said: "It was really good, I loved it. I love sport, it keeps me going and keeps me healthy."

Lucy's mum, Lynsey Kennedy, 35, is so proud to see her daughter compete at the event.

Lynsey, NHS admin worker, said: "I was proud and emotional watching Lucy competing in such a big event alongside thousands of other children with different disabilities.

"The races were so hard, with all three events being back to back but she never complained and managed to do them all on her own.

"Sport is very important to Lucy as it helps her to keep mobile, helps with her lung capacity and keeps her overall fit and healthy."

Lucys Dad, Luke Scott, is determined to not let Lucy's disability stop her from living her life to the full.

He said: We dont let Lucys disability stop us doing things as a family and the Superhero Series is a great way for Lucy and Molly to take part and achieve something together.

"We have been looking forward to the event and other families who are thinking about it, should definitely come along next year or find out what sport can do for them.

Lucy was part of six teams of 22 people with a range of ages, abilities, and backgrounds and the hope is the achievements of Lucy and her fellow superheroes will inspire others to take up the challenge themselves.

The active teen, who runs for Gateshead Harriers club and is part of two swimming clubs, is a role model to other children with disabilities.

And has now been nominated for this year's Chronicle Champion awards under the 'Young Role Model' catergory.

After hearing the news about her nomination Lucy said: "Wow, that's really good and I'm really proud."

"I helped a little boy during the race and told him to peddle faster so he did, I love supporting people."

Irwin Mitchell sponsored the event in connection with their nationwide Dont Quit, Do It campaign, which seeks to shine a spotlight on the benefits of disability sport.

In the UK, 13 million people live with a disability, yet only one in eight takes part in regular sport, despite the physical and psychological benefits that come from it.

Greg Phillips, part of the Irwin Mitchell Court of Protection team supporting the family, said: Lucys is a fantastic little girl and a real superhero to all who know her.

The family are showing others what is possible and from the Dont Quit, Do It campaign, we know how important positive role models can be.

Sport helps with rehabilitation and offers a real feel good factor, while allowing people to realise they can still achieve their potential, not matter what their disability.

For more information and how to get involved with the 'Don't Quit, Do It' campaign please follow this link

This year theChronicleChampionsAwards include sponsors The Banks Group and Northumbrian Water Group, while the event sponsor is The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, where our glamorous evening will be held on December 4 2019.

The awards recognise bravery, devotion and selflessness in unsung heroes across the region. This is your chance to thank those people in our community that deserve to be recognised for their extraordinary efforts.

Nominations are now open and here are our 11 categories:

This award is for a youngster who in his or her young life has already displayed remarkable courage and provides an example for others to follow. Tell us about someone who makes you want to burst with pride.

This award is to recognise the schools in our region who go above and beyond the call of duty to support and get the best out of their pupils, regardless of ability.

This award is for an individual or group under the age of 16 who have gone to great lengths to improve the community around them. This could include being a great advocate for their school or community group, the area they live in and what the youth of today should be.

This is to recognise parents in the region who truly arechampion. This could be a mum, dad or foster parent who have exceeded all thats expected of a parent.

Wed like to find those amazing individuals who have shown the greatest commitments, achievements and have made a real difference to peoples lives in their charity fundraising efforts.

This award celebrates excellence in community support from corporate companies and seeks to identify those organisations which best exemplify the social and community spirit which is at the core of North East culture.

This award is to honour an individual in our emergency services who has demonstrated outstanding bravery, initiative or support within the sector or the community, or someone who simply goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Do you know someone who has used their initiative in a crisis, tackled criminals or even saved a life? This award is to honour a person who has demonstrated an outstanding act of bravery, whether it be a member of the public or emergency services.

Do you know a group, project, business or individual who have shown outstanding initiative and determination in active environmental work? They should be forward thinking, wanting to push the boundaries of environmental awareness, be a great role model for others who want to get involved and keen to continue their good work in the future.

This award is for a local person that has gone to great lengths to improve the community in which they live in or perhaps showing outstanding acts of kindness.

This award is to recognise extraordinary achievements by men or women of our armed forces and any individuals who have dedicated time and effort to help those who serve or have served for our country. Show your support by nominating your local armed forceschampion.

They could even be considered achampionambassador for their area.

To enter these awards - please click here for an online entry form - otherwise contact Amy Taylor on 0191 201 6092 or emailamy.taylor@reachplc.comand she will advise on an alternative entry.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2019

To enter the Chronicle Champions awards - please click here for an online entry form - otherwise contact Amy Taylor on 0191 201 6092 or emailamy.taylor@reachplc.comand she will advise on an alternative entry.

Closing date for entries is Friday September 27 2019.

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Superhero teen with cerebral palsy proves that having disability is no barrier in sport - Chronicle Live