A Fulneck Sixth Form pupil will be diving “Down Under”, after being chosen to represent the UK in an international 
lifesaving competition.
Sam Lawman will be heading to Canberra in August to compete in the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth Championships, being staged at the Australian Institute for Sport.
However, the 17-year-old still has one more barrier in his way – he is having to fund his own passage and is looking to raise £2,000 to ensure he can compete in the championships.
Sam, from Idle, was selected to swim for the UK team after he impressed team selectors at a life saving swimming competition in Coventry earlier this year.
In April, Sam, who swims for Leeds Phoenix Lifesaving Club, won a total of five medals at the RLSS National Speed Championships, held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge.
David Needham, Head of PE at Fulneck School, said: “We are thrilled for Sam and are very proud of what he has already achieved.
He has worked extremely hard to get here and his commitment and dedication has been truly impressive and inspirational.
However, there is still a final hurdle for Sam, which is raising £2,000. This won’t be easy, but I hope family, friends and even local business will chip in and help this talented young swimmer realise his dream.”
The RLSS Commonwealth Championships is an international competition for Commonwealth athletes to showcase their abilities in pool lifesaving, aquatic rescue and resuscitation, accident prevention and emergency care.
Anyone wanting to support Sam should contact Fulneck School on 0113 257 0235.