7:40pm Wednesday 22nd July 2009
By Matt Monaghan
A TEENAGE motorcyclist has been hailed an inspiration for reaching the top level of junior competition despite suffering from a debilitating condition.
Matthew Hartley, 15, of Langfield, Worsthorne, near Burnley, suffers from cystic fibrosis which massively restricts breathing.
But despite battling the condition since the age of five and having to take 50 tablets a day, the Todmorden High School boy has fought his way to the top, and even won a championship.
Sometimes he is so tired after a race – where he can reach speeds of 130mph – that he has to be off sick from school on the Monday to recover.
But the gutsy youngster never lets his illness stand in his way and dreams of one day competing as a professional.
This weekend he will fulfils a dream when he competes in a support race for the latest round of the international Moto GP championship at Donington Park, featuring his hero, world champion Valentino Rossi.
And another bike legend, Blackburn’s Carl Fogarty, said: “Matthew is a very brave kid doing what he has done and I hope he gets on the podium this weekend. I respect him immensely and he must have a lot more determination than I did to get this far.”
More than 8,000 people in the UK suffer from the illness, which clogs up lungs and other organs with thick mucus. Side effects also include brittle bones which has led to several breakages in the rough and tumble world of racing.
Mother Andrea spoke of his battle with the illness: “Some days Matthew has to take 50 tablets a day to help him deal with the condition. He has such a positive attitude to it though and is determined that it will not take over his life.
“He is living proof to anyone who suffers from this disease that you can still achieve anything you want if you put your heart and soul into it.”
Hartley received his first bike when he was five, a year after he was diagnosed, and now competes in the Aprilia Superteens Challenge in the Thundersport GB Championship alongside step brother Harry, 12.
At 13, he became British Mini Moto Champion.
He said: “I'm really excited to be going to Donington and firing up the bike.
"The thought of being at the same event as Valentino is a dream come true.
“Speeds of 130mph can be scary sometimes.
“But it's a buzz going that fast and I want to become a professional rider one day.”
Matthew's race is at 6.30pm. Anyone wishing to become a sponsor can call step father Barry Hartley on 01282 416 317.
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