I need your help!

My name is Amy Clegg. 20 years ago, I was given a very slender chance of survival. I was born 11-weeks premature, weighing less than a bag of sugar, and comfortably fitting in the palm of my mother’s hand; the doctors had very little hope as I continuously stopped breathing, but I made it through and out of intensive care into the big wide world! Yet this wasn’t the last obstacle I would face. Over the next six months I continued to stop breathing at times, and my parents had to resuscitate me on several occasions. I showed my early determination to overcome hurdles and battled my way off oxygen therapy. I had made it through.

At 1 year old I was diagnosed as profoundly deaf, seriously affecting the way I communicated with the world. My parents were told that learning to talk would be long and difficult. I would struggle to understand my family and have conversations with friends, but again I made it through – and I think at times, my family probably wish I would talk a bit less now!

At 18-months-old I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, affecting all muscles in my body, particularly my right side. My parents were told that I would likely never walk, and that any physical activity would be almost impossible. I was nearly 3 before I could sit independently, but I persisted and got through to being able to sit with my friends. I started school still needing a support aid to walk, so I was discouraged from joining in any sports for fear of injury or embarrassment, yet I was desperate to join in everything. Despite the discouragement, I made it through! I did every sport I could outside of school – from dancing to trampolining, swimming and wheelchair tennis... but then I found my favourite of them all: skiing.

My secondary school planned a ski trip abroad, and I was incredibly excited to go. I begged my parents to sign me up, and they were willing to let me follow this dream. Unfortunately, we were told that due to financial constraints the school were unable to make the trip accessible to those with disabilities. I was heartbroken. Yet again I had been told that I could not do something that my heart was set on. I was not going to let that happen. My parents lovingly went in search of a way and found DSUK, a UK charity helping those with disabilities get into snowsports, and they helped me get on the slopes. I have not looked back since! I was told that I would never walk. So instead, I race down a slippery slope, with two bits of wood strapped to my feet!

I have trained non-stop now for almost five years, and in 2022 I made the GB development team for Para Alpine – a dream of a lifetime! Inspired by some of my heroes, like Menna Fitzpatrick, I long to stand on top of the podium at the Winter Paralympics, representing Great Britain. I will make it happen.

How you can help

Originally, I was offered an incredible opportunity to attend a six-month specialised para-training programme in Canada, negotiated by GB Snowsport. Sadly, due to financial issues with the organisers, the programme was cancelled before it began. Despite this heartbreaking setback, the dream lives on stronger than ever.

Now, all funds raised will go directly towards:

European training camps, which are essential in developing my performance,

Supporting my ski helper, who is there to ensure my safety on the mountains and the person I can rely on to help me get up off the snow (should I fall)!

My parents have supported and funded towards every camp to date. I could not do this without them. However going forward to reach the next level and pursue my ultimate ambition of representing Great Britain at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games in Tignes, I urgently need your support.

I am aiming to raise £10,000 a year to continue my ongoing training, attend essential European training camps, and cover support and logistical costs.

With your help, we can make this happen.

Thank you so much for your support.

Amy xx