Archie's story

Sport-mad Archie dreams of getting to the Paralympic Games. Described by his parents as ‘fiercely competitive’, Archie says he loves all sports and enjoys pushing himself to be his best. Aged just 16, Archie currently holds a host of British men’s records – and narrowly missed out on a place at this year’s Paralympics in Paris. By continuing to work hard, in and out of the pool, and with support from Guide Dogs to help build his independence, Archie is aiming to represent his country, at the highest possible level of his sport, in 2028.

"I’ve never let my vision impairment be an issue, I’ve always decided what I want to do, then pushed to do it. Sport is a massive part of my life, and I think there is a sport for everyone, you just need to give it a go." - Archie

“From the first?moment of seeing Archie in the water we realised he was incredibly good at?swimming. And then that fed into his competitive nature and his tenacity to?succeed. I know the hard work Archie has put into his swimming and to see him?get the results he has makes us feel really proud.” Charlie, Archie's dad.

“I started training?more and more, and I really wanted to test myself so I began entering swimming?competitions. After I swam in my first one, I really enjoyed it – the?environment was really fun – so I started doing more. And then putting in more?hours in training, working harder in the pool and gym. It’s all grown from?there.” Archie.

“I want to get to?the Paralympics – I want to get to the highest level possible with my swimming.?I’m hoping to get my international classification soon and then I can compete?internationally, and maybe then in the Commonwealth Games in two years’ time,?and then the Paralympics in four years.” Archie.

"When Archie was a baby, everything was pretty normal,” says dad Charlie. “Then around 18 months old, we noticed his eyes started wobbling. At first, it was at night, or if he was tired, but then he started doing it more and more, so we were advised to go to an eye specialist. At 20 months old he was diagnosed with having severe retinal dystrophy.” Charlie, Archie's dad.

Charlie continues; “Today Archie is officially registered as being severely sight impaired. He is amongst a small group of people who have no light perception or cannot see light. But that didn’t happen straight away, he lost his sight in stages so first his peripheral vision went, then his night vision and eventually his central vision when he was around seven years old.”

Archie is currently?receiving support from Guide Dogs, funded by North Yorkshire County Council.?Senior Habilitation Specialist Andrew, is working with Archie on his mobility?and long cane skills as he prepares to change schools for his A levels.

“At the moment I am working with Andrew on road crossings with my long cane and finding things like blister paving. I really like working with Andrew, he’s really good at taking the time to explain things to me.” Archie

“In a visually?impaired world, confidence and independence is what we as parents hope Archie?will gain from Guide Dogs’ support. Knowing that there is someone to ask, and?someone who can take him wherever he wants to go in the future feels like a?weight has been lifted off our shoulders. To have experts who can answer his?questions and support him is invaluable.” Charlie, Archie’s dad.

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