Hucknall’s Owen wins Kellogg’s swim award

Owen Towle 15 has won a Kellogs outstanding achievement award for swimming, pictured here with swimming teacher, Josh Beeston.

For the 15-year-old, who has the extremely rare Prader Willi Syndrome, has just received a Kellogg’s achievement award as a disability swimmer of the year.

“I am very proud of him and he is very proud of himself,” said mum Lynne Ryland. “For him it is an achievement and shows him what he can do.”

Owen goes swimming three times a week, including sessions with his school and with his dad Gary Towle.

According to the NHS, Prader Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a wide range of symptoms, including a constant desire to eat food, reduced muscle tone, learning difficulties and behavioural issues such as temper tantrums.

It affects around one in 15,000 children born in England and there is no known cure for the condition.

Lynne, with the support of family and Owen’s school, Bracken Hill, in Kirkby, is able to manage Owen’s condition and she says that swimming is something that really helps her son.

She said: “For him, it is the best form of exercise. The staff at the leisure centre are able to encourage Owen and he responds well. He was put forward for the award by the staff and it is something we are all really proud of.”