Ollie Sales - a man from Sandridge who lives with cerebral palsy - has set himself the challenge of swimming the Channel after completing a swimming fundraiser at his local leisure centre.
On Friday, September 15, the 20-year-old - who is unable to walk or sit unaided - raised more than £1,000 for charity by swimming 10 lengths of the pool at Harpenden Leisure Centre.
He now wishes to continue his swimming journey with the goal of swimming the English Channel.
Ollie commented: "If I can do it, anyone can do it. Thanks to amazing people at the Harpenden centre like James Baird, I’m able to achieve anything I set out to do.
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"Next year I want to double my target for the fundraiser and swim 50 lengths.
"I hope that one day I might even be able to swim the Channel!”
The young man regularly visited the leisure centre as a child, discovering the mental and physical benefits of swimming.
He is also passionate about weightlifting and dreams of participating in disability strongman competitions in the future.
Ollie’s mum, Peta Sales-Lucas, said: "Ollie has been bought up to believe nothing can stop him.
“He’s a very determined young man and is always looking to inspire others with Cerebral Palsy.
"He documents his swimming and weightlifting journey on social media where he has more than 1,000 followers!
“One day we started talking about his goals for swimming, and this is when we came up with the idea for the challenge.
"If Ollie sets himself a task, he becomes even more determined, and with the added incentive of helping people with similar limitations to him.”
Chloe Ledger, general manager at Everyone Active, added: "Ollie’s dedication and determination is truly inspiring.
"His achievement at Harpenden Leisure Centre showcases his amazing personal strength but also reminds us that with determination and the right environment, we can overcome any obstacle.
“We are proud to be part of his journey and look forward to supporting his future goals, including his dream of swimming the Channel!”
Donations to Ollie's fundraiser can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com.
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