Matthew

is a mini

marvel

A BOUNCING baby is celebrating his first sporting success after becoming the youngest ever competitor in an unusual event.

Tiny Matthew Topping is only 22-months-old but he competed against much older youngsters in the 10-metre dash held at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

Matthew, from Ramsbottom, was among 108 competitors taking part in the four day Dwarf Athletics Games. Entrants came from as far afield as Denmark, Belgium and France.

He loved every minute of the race and was cheered on by his father David, mother Ruth and sisters, 10-year-old Bethan and Emily, aged five.

Matthew's parents discovered their son had been born with achondroplasia, which stunts growth, when he was eight months old.

The condition is not hereditary and doctors have predicted that Matthew will never grow taller than about four foot four inches. His father is six foot five and his mother is five foot ten.

The family has joined a support group for people born with the condition and were thrilled to see Matthew competing at the famous games.

His father David said: "When we found out about Matthew's condition it was a bolt from the blue.

"But we have come to terms with it and have taken part in fund-raising events with the support group.

"Taking part in the games was very good for Matthew.

"When he's at school he will be competing against children that are much taller than him, so it's brilliant for him to take part with other youngsters who have restricted growth.

"All the children have a chance of winning and it does their pride an infinite amount of good."