WHEN Gabriel Glynn was four days old he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and his parents were warned he would face a lifetime of drugs and gruelling therapy.

But they were also told to make sure he did lots of exercise.

As soon as he was well enough, his family started taking him to the pool – 12 years on, Gabriel is one of Britain's top young swimmers and has just qualified to compete with the best of the best at the ASA British Summer Championships in Sheffield in July.

Gabriel swims for Bolton Metro Swimming Squad, which nurtures the town's top swimming talent.

Youngsters doing well in their own swimming club can train with the squad to develop their skills.

The Year 8 Canon Slade pupil has been with the squad for three years, and with Horwich Leisure Centre Swimming Club since he was eight years old. He has never let his cystic fibrosis stand in his way. Despite taking 80 tablets a day to control the condition, he spends 12 hours a week training with the squad at Farnworth, Westhoughton and Horwich swimming pools.

Some of those sessions take place at 5am – he and his fellow squad members regularly work for two hours before heading off for a day at school.

As well as managing his training and homework, Gabriel has to follow a strict diet to make sure he stays well. He gets no support or special treatment for having cystic fibrosis.

"I'm really pleased to have made it to the British Championships," Gabriel said. "It shows you don't need to let cystic fibrosis beat you. I'm really lucky to have loads of great coaching to help me do my best."

Gabriel's mum Kerry credits her son's development in the pool to his courage, as well as unflinching support from BMSS, who rely on financial support from families.

And she has urged anyone in the town who can afford it, to give BMSS their support.

"Gabriel hasn't ever asked for special treatment – and still achieves all he has to do despite stays in hospital and following such a strict medical regime," she said.

"We don't think he would be where he is now without Bolton Metro to support him. They need help so they can continue to support swimmers like Gabriel – they are fantastic young people who know all about hard work, commitment and resilience."

Gabriel's coach Laurence Mills added: "Gabriel puts the hard work in, and gets great results. He never mentions his cystic fibrosis, and in training and competition he is treated like everyone else.

"We are very proud of him, and of all our swimmers who put in the hours every week to reach the top level."

Gabriel is one of 10 Bolton swimmers to reach the two big summer championships – the ASA British Summer Championships and the ASA summer met for the top English swimmers.

Bolton Metro is one of only a handful of swimming squads in the country that do not receive any external financial support. The club is seeking sponsorship so that it can continue to put the town on the map.

Squad chairman Steve Howell said: "Bolton is turning out young athletes the whole town can be proud of. We need help to support them as they reach new heights. We would love to hear from you if you can help sponsor these fantastic young people, who are putting in so much effort to achieve their very best."

To find out more about how you can help BMSS email bmss.chair@outlook.com

BMSS qualifiers

British Championships: Men's relay – Arran Bostock, James Morrison, Jack Dandy, James Oxborrow. Woman's relay – Rachel Morris, Mollie McCart, Anna Doughty, Emily Barclay. Individual – Gabriel Glynn, Anna Doughty, Emily Barclay, James Oxborrow.

English Nationals: Luke Batty, Isaac Brennand, James Morrison.