Cash boost for racer Luke

Grant helps smooth the way for track star’s 2022 Games dream

An 18- year- old wheelchair racer from Johnstone has been gifted £1,000 towards the cost of specialist equipment.

The donation was made to Luke Deighan by Persimmon Homes West Scotland through its Community Champions scheme. This is a national programme to help fund local good causes.

Deighan, who was born with Spina bifida and fluid on the brain, is a fulltime wheelchair user who excelled at wheelchair basketball before taking to the racing track just three years ago.

Having already represented Scotland against some of the sport’s most seasoned veterans at the IPC Grand Prix in Arbon in Switzerland last year, Luke set a new personal best time and now has his sights set firmly on competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Luke’s mum, Fiona, said: “We are so grateful for this kind donation.

“I applied for the Persimmon Community Champions funding to help us to buy the expensive specialist equipment and race wheelchairs that Luke needs to compete at this level.

“This type of support is a huge boost for our whole family. It fills us with pride to see Luke’s competitive spirit develop as he becomes more confident in his ability.

“Luke is classified as T54, which is purely down to his disability, but that classification is extremely competitive and every penny we raise goes towards making his dream of representing his country come true.”

Taking part in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m disciplines Luke has ramped up his training to three times a week in his bid to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

Doug Law, managing director for Persimmon Homes West Scotland, said: “We’re so pleased to support Luke in his bid to compete on an international level. It is fantastic to see young people succeed, no matter what their disability may be.

“Who knows we may see him at the Paralympics in the future.

“This is exactly what our Community Champions scheme is all about. Supporting good causes to make a positive change.”

For more information, or to apply for funding through Persimmon’s Community Champions, visit www. persimmonhomes.com/charity