100m. No Sight. All Heart
13-year-old swimmer who has been blind since birth is celebrating a remarkable achievement
Harley Beasley is Lincs Inspire Member of the Month after achieving his 100m swimming badge.
Born with microphthalmia, a rare condition affecting the development of the eyes, Harley has never allowed his sight loss to stop him achieving his ambitions.
His swimming journey began a year ago when he started lessons with experienced swim teacher Jane Millington, who has been teaching for 35 years.
From the very beginning, Jane knew that Harley’s lessons would need to be approached differently. Together, they have adapted the sessions to help Harley learn how to navigate the water, understand instructions and build his confidence in the pool.
“Harley’s achievements are remarkable,” said Jane. “I had to guide him through everything, we had to adapt the lessons and really go from scratch.”
Over the past year, a special bond has developed between the pair, with Jane supporting Harley every step of the way.
Harley’s mum says Jane’s patience, kindness and determination have played a huge part in helping her son achieve his goal.
“We felt lucky to have met Jane” she said. “She is so patient and kind with Harley, and spends time outside of the lessons to plan how she can adapt them for him”
“Harley never lets his disability stop him from achieving his goals in life. He’s living proof that you can do anything if you put your mind to it and never give up.”
Jade Beasley, Harley’s mum
Harley’s swimming journey has also been supported by the wider community. Paul Fieldgate and Healing Parish Council initially helped fund some of his swimming lessons, giving him the opportunity to get started on his journey in the pool.
And it hasn’t just been his swimming teachers who have supported Harley. His mum says the welcome he has received from staff and members at Grimsby Leisure Centre has made the centre feel like a special place for both of them.
“Everybody at Grimsby Leisure Centre has been so kind to Harley, taking time out of their own day to introduce themselves and applaud him for his achievements,” she said. “We both feel so happy to be part of this leisure centre.”
Harley is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through determination, patience and the right support. His 100m badge represents much more than a swimming distance – it is the result of a year of hard work, a strong teacher-student relationship and Harley’s refusal to give up.
And with his passion for the water showing no signs of slowing down, this could be just the beginning of Harley’s swimming story.
Congratulations, Harley, for your incredible 100m achievement and being Lincs Inspire Member of the Month!
