Paralympic Hopeful Crosses the Line for His Vaccination

9th April 2021

Paralympic Hopeful Crosses the Line for His Vaccination

Great Britain Paracyclist Fin Graham wheeled up on his bike to get his Covid vaccination, with the message that being vaccinated gives him peace of mind.

The elite athlete from the Scottish Highlands, moved to Cheadle, Stockport in 2018. He trains with British Cycling at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester and already has two World Cup Paracycling gold medals to show for it.

Fin, aged 21, was born with two club feet, has no calf muscle in his right leg and limited movement in his ankles. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with Lupus, an auto-immune disease.

The brakes were put on his hopes of going to the Paralympics last summer. But training has carried on as he competes for a spot in the Great Britain Team going to Tokyo this year.

Fin said: “Getting the Covid vaccine at Heald Green was so quick and easy and it will make such a difference to our lives both personally and professionally.

“Many of the indoor track events have been cancelled again this year due to Covid. Next month I’m going to Belgium for an international road competition followed by the UCI Paracycling Road World Cup. Everything counts towards Tokyo, so having the peace of mind of being vaccinated and staying healthy means everything to me.”

Dr Cath Briggs, Chair of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s wonderful to hear what having the vaccination means to Fin. As an athlete with Lupus, the vaccination reduces his risk of being seriously ill if he gets Covid. We wish him the very best and hope he gets to the Paralympics this year.

“When you receive your vaccination invitation, make sure you book your appointment and keep it. Your second appointment is equally important as the combination of the two will give you the highest degree of protection.”

You can book an appointment using this link https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

If you have any questions about your vaccine contact Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group on 0161 426 9910 or email STOCCG.Pxenquiries@nhs.net.

GB Paracyclist Fin Graham with vaccinator Eileen Costello