A Paralympic hopeful from Stockport has urged people to take up the offer of a Covid jab after having his first dose of the vaccine.
Cheadle-based Fin Graham trains with British Cycling at the national centre in Manchester and has already bagged two World Cup Paracycling gold medals.
The 21-year-old was born with two club feet, has no calf muscle in his right leg and limited movement in his ankles. He has also been diagnosed with the auto-immune disease Lupus.
The brakes were put on his hopes of going to the Paralympics last summer.
But he has continued training and is focused on grabbing a spot in the Great Britain team going to Tokyo this summer.
The elite athlete had his jab at the Heald Green vaccination centre and says the ‘quick and easy’ procedure makes a big difference to him both personally and professionally.
He said: “Many of the indoor track events have been cancelled again this year due to Covid. Next month I’m going to Belgium for an international road competition followed by the UCI Paracycling Road World Cup.
“Everything counts towards Tokyo, so having the peace of mind of being vaccinated and staying healthy means everything to me.”
Fin, who moved from Scotland in 2018, said it was uncertain if the games would go ahead, but he would definitely have to be vaccinated to take part in them.
“It just allows us to continue with training now I have been vaccinated,” he said.
“I don’t need to worry about getting it in the future or maybe not getting it in time for the games. Everything is now going in the right direction again to be back training at 100pc.”
And he urged people to get the jab when they are called up.
“I think there’s no reason you should not be getting it,” he said.
“It’s going to help you, it will help protect you - so if you get the opportunity then definitely go for it.”
Dr Cath Briggs, chair of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said it was ‘wonderful’ to hear what getting the vaccination meant to Fin.
She said: “As an athlete with Lupus, the vaccination reduces his risk of being seriously ill if he gets Covid. We wish him the very best and hope he gets to the Paralympics this year.
“When you receive your vaccination invitation, make sure you book your appointment and keep it. Your second appointment is equally important as the combination of the two will give you the highest degree of protection.”
Residents can book an appointment using this link.
Anyone with questions about getting the vaccine can contact Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group on 0161 426 9910 or email STOCCG.Pxenquiries@nhs.net
