A PARALYMPIAN from Rawtenstall who landed two silver medals at Rio 2016 ‘could be the inspiration children need’ to succeed.

Team GB’s Thomas Hamer, who is a parasport swimmer, fought off strong competition to win his fifth international championship medal in the 200-metre freestyle at the weekend.

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Tom races in the S14 class, which is for swimmers with intellectual disabilities, and currently holds the British Paralympic records for the 100 metre freestyle, 200 metre freestyle and 200 metre individual medley.

He also added a silver in the individual medley on the final night of swimming action on Saturday.

His triumphs have been hailed by Rossendale groups who believe children with special needs should use Tom’s success ‘as an example of what everyone can achieve’.

Paul Mulderrig, committee member at Rossendale Rays Special Needs Swimming Club, said: “It’s fantastic news to hear about Tom Hamer’s Paralympics silver and I am sure that his achievement will act as a massive encouragement to special needs swimmers here in Lancashire and throughout the UK.

“By achieving so much I am certainly hoping that he could be the inspiration children need to get into the sport, and I hope we see lots of others take a leaf out of Tom’s book and go swimming.

“Rossendale Rays hosts special needs swimming sessions for members of all ages and with all sorts of challenges.

“Our sessions take place every Sunday afternoon at Marl Pits swimming pool in Rawtenstall.

“New visitors are always welcome for a free try out, so if anyone is feeling inspired by Tom’s success they should feel free to come along and have a look at us.”

Apart from his second place finish in Rio, Tom has also reached the podium with a silver medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and two bronzes at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow and the 2016 European Championships in Portugal respectively.

He also won a gold medal at the European Championships in Portugal and another silver in Eindhoven in 2014.

Siobhan Halligan, headteacher at Cribden House School in Rawtenstall, has said it would be great if Tom was able to speak to some of her pupils. She said: “Some of the children that are with us have learning difficulties and it would be great to use Tom’s success as an example of what everyone can achieve.”

“It’s a great story of a boy overcoming his difficulties to pursue sport and win on the podium at Rio.

“If Tom is doing any visits or talks to children about the work it took or how it feels to be at the top of your game, then I’d love him to come to Cribden House School.”