Kayleigh has a form of cerebral palsy which affects her balance and motor skills, but that has never stood in her way! She has already won three golds in the European Paralympic Youth Games, set thirteen world records and four national age group records in swimming, race running and club throw sports.

She is currently concentrating on swimming, having taken a temporary break from competitive race running and club throw. She attends six swimming sessions a week with South Ayrshire Swim Team; three gym sessions; and once a month she trains with Scotland para-swim squad in Stirling. She hopes to make Team GB next year and is already thinking ahead to 2020 Paralympic games in Tokyo. She also regularly competes at weekends.

This year Kayleigh started HNC in Sports Coaching and Development at Ayrshire College, and is predicted to gain an ‘A’ grade. As part of the course she works with groups of all ages and abilities, ranging from primary school children to young adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Her compassionate attitude has impressed staff and fellow students alike.

When she is not doing all that, she volunteers as a Scottish Disability Sport Academy Athlete and Co-Tutor, delivering talks, seminars and coaching sessions across Scotland. She is also an Active Schools volunteer and helps out at her local primary school, providing multi-sports sessions.

Her amazing achievements have been recognised by a number of organisations, and she has been awarded: The Herald and GenAnalytics Rising Star Diversity Award 2017; Ayrshire Sportsability Young Athlete of the Year (2012, 2015, 2016); Ayr Rotary Club’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2016; West FM’s The Up and Coming Youngster 2016; Talented Sports Performer Award, Glasgow Life; and Sports for Special Needs Athlete of the Year 2011.

She was also a finalist for Young Scot Unsung Hero Award and a finalist for the College Candidate of the Year at the SQA Star Awards 2017.