If last year was an incredible one for South Tyneside swimmer Josef Craig, this one’s shaping up to be pretty special too.
After starting 2013 by being awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List, he was then asked to open the new £4m Jarrow Swimming Pool.
He was held up as the sort of role model who could inspire the borough’s young people to get fit.
And last week he was a double winner at the Shields Gazette’s Sport Awards.
He was named Sportsman of the Year and won a trophy for Contribution to Disability, to add to his Paralympic gold, world record and BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year title.
But he hasn’t forgotten his roots: he’s also backing fundraising efforts by his pals at South Tyneside Swimming Club, and the Age UK South Tyneside Bobble Day campaign, to keep old folk warm this winter.
He still found time to celebrate his 16th birthday at the weekend, and receive a donation to help towards his training costs from residents at Patrick Cain House in South Shields.
Enjoy our picture special on what’s been a very busy year already for the Jarrow lad.
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