A Cockermouth man has moved a step closer to realising his dream of competing for Team GB, despite being forced to swap swimming for skiing.

Grant Taylor, 22, has a rare muscle-wasting condition and has battled against the odds to pursue his sporting dream.

A member of Cockermouth Swimming Club, he has competed since he was 15.

He tried out for the London 2012 Paralympics and met the official qualifying time, but missed out on a place due to the high competition.

When Grant’s condition worsened last summer, leaving him unable to use his hands properly, he thought his sporting journey might be over.

But he was delighted to discover skiing, at which he excels.

Though he went on to win four gold swimming medals in the British Winter Championships, he had already started to focus on skiing, following a family holiday.

Grant, of Melbreak Avenue, said: “My auntie lives in a French ski resort and we went there a couple of years ago. I used to snowboard but it was suggested I try a sit-on ski.

“I wasn’t keen but thought I would give it a go. I got the hang of it quickly and really enjoyed it.”

The family returned to the slopes in January.

“I picked it up again really quickly and became obsessed with skiing. I went out again in February and March,” said Grant, a former Cockermouth School pupil.

He was invited to a British Paralympic Association Talent Day by the snow sports team.

After impressing the coaches, he was offered a place on a training camp with the development squad.

He has recently returned from a week in the Netherlands, at the world’s largest indoor ski resort.

“It was unbelievable, one of the best weeks in my life,” said Grant.

“It was really tough. We were doing 12 to 14-hour days, it was no skiing holiday.

“We spent two hours each day waxing, edging, scraping our skis. We also did stuff in the gym, took part in meetings and video analysis.”

He has been invited to take part in another camp in Austria and is feeling optimistic about the future.

“My ultimate goal is to be part of the official GB team. I’d love to be picked for the European Championships later this year.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. It’s so exciting.”

He needs to raise about £10,000 to cover the cost of kit and expenses.

His family have raised more than £2,000 so far after setting up a crowdfunding page and also organising an 80-mile bike ride.

They are grateful to local businesses, groups and people for their support.

Mum Natalie, who owns Taylor’ed Hair and Beauty on Windmill Lane, said: “We are looking into various ways to raise funds and are really grateful to the support we have had so far.

“We are so pleased Grant has been given this opportunity. Sport has always been a huge part of his life and he was getting down with his muscles going.”

Natalie can be contacted at nat.taylor@hotmail.com