Skiing hero Menna given borough’s highest award
ASPORTING hero has been honoured for her incredible achievements this year.
Menna Fitzpatrick, from Tytherington, was handed Freedom of the Borough of Cheshire East, following her inspirational medal haul during the recent Winter Paralympic games.
The former Fallibroome Academy pupil was a star performer at the games in PyeongChang, and picked up four medals, including a gold, two silvers and a bronze, making her the most decorated British winter Paralympian.
Menna competed as a visually impaired Alpine skier, alongside her guide, Jennifer Keogh.
Born with a genetic condition, the 20-year-old has no sight in her left eye and about five per cent in her right.
She told the Express she was overwhelmed by the honour .
Menna, who also volunteers at a Brownies group in Prestbury, said: “It was really nice to get the recognition for our sport and what we do.
“For people to pick that up and let me share my experience of skiing and being visually impaired but doing sport on the world stage is just incredible.
“And for them to give me the highest award they could give was absolutely amazing. I was totally nervous but it was really cool.”
The talented skier said the support she has received from people in the town has been incredible.
She said: “It has been really nice. I went to my old primary school and spent some time chatting with a little girl who is completely blind. I took my medals for her to read the braille. She was so happy.
“And I went to my old high school and they have painted one of their gates gold with a skier on. That was really awesome because they don’t do the gold post boxes anymore.
She added: “When you are doing the games you are in a bubble and don’t have a clue about the coverage you are getting at home and what people are saying about you. When I came back one child came up to me in a car park and said ‘you’re the skier’. It is very surreal.”
But the inspirational athlete said she hopes her achievements will inspire children of all abilities to give the sport a go and she hopes to work with Macclesfield Council in the future to do that.
Menna said: “I spoke to Adam Schofield (the former Mayor of Macclesfield) and he was really excited for us to work together on a few things.
“If I can inspire one child to give skiing a try then that is my job done.”
Menna was given her prestigious award during the annual mayor-making ceremony, at Tatton Park’s Tenants’ Hall.
Councillor Lesley Smetham gave her the award.
She said: “It was fantastic, what a wonderful example she is. Menna is such an independent young woman and deserves her recognition.”