Dearnaley supporting Olympic ambition 

Fix Auto Rochester owner Robert Dearnaley has stepped forward to offer support to a young cyclist with Koolen de Vries Syndrome as he strives to become a Special Olympian. 

Tom Kelsall also suffers from Type One Diabetes but is determined to overcome these obstacles to inspire others and prove that it’s possible to achieve your dreams regardless of the challenges in front of you. 

Dearnaley said, “Tom is a total inspiration. I have known his family since a chance meeting while holidaying in the same hotel 20 years ago. While his condition is heart-breaking, he really rises above it with his determination and through his love of cycling. 

“I saw some social media posts by his dad explaining that Tom’s sights were set on competing at the Special Olympics and I just knew I had to help in some small way. He has a long way to go, firstly he must race and be successful on the national stage but those around him believe he has what it takes to become an Olympian and if we can be part of that journey then great.”  

Koolen de Vries Syndrome causes developmental delay and intellectual disability which means Tom has a severe language and communication disorder that affects his receptive and expressive language abilities and his ability to process information.