Commonwealth Games hopeful issues donations plea as he looks to build on 'great experience'

Athlete Alexander Thomson is hoping to attract support that would see him fulfil his dream of competing at the Commonwealth Games.

The 20-year-old is a NQ Higher Sport and Fitness student at New College Lanarkshire’s Motherwell Campus and combines his studies with travelling internationally for para-athletics events.

The Larkhall athlete is currently preparing for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with a series of events and has set up a GoFundMe page to financially support his ambition.

Thomson made the semi-final of both the 60m and 200m at the Scottish Student Indoor Championships last month, achieving an indoor personal best time of 24.69 seconds in the 200m.

He competes in the T38 disability sport classification for athletes with cerebral palsy. For the last two years, he has been selected for British Athletics’ Paralympic Futures Academy.

And the Commonwealth Games hopeful said: “The college has been really good if I need to get away a little earlier to attend training sessions as I train six days a week.

“I really enjoy the anatomy part of my course – I’m learning about lots of new things that help me with my sport and future career as a personal trainer.

“It’s a great experience to travel around the UK and the world to compete in student, national and international competitions, plus meeting new friends.

“I am currently not receiving funding from British Athletics and have to cover my own expenses for events and training, which is in excess of £10,000 for travel, accommodation, entry for competition, training equipment and clothing. I would greatly appreciate any donations to help me in costs for 2022.”

Chris Wilson, academic leader in sport and physical activity at NCL, added: “Alexander is a conscientious,