There is only one way I can begin this column and that is by congratulating Middlewich swimming sensation Poppy Maskill on her medal wins at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Not only did Poppy secure GB’s first gold of the Games in the Women’s 100m Butterfly last Thursday, but she also smashed the world record in setting a new time of 1.00.30.

She then went on to claim a silver in the Women’s 200m Freestyle, followed by another gold medal in the mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay on Sunday.

This is an incredible achievement for a 19-year-old competing at her first Paralympics, and surely makes her a serious contender to be the most notable person ever to hail from Middlewich.

At the time of writing Poppy still has two more events to compete in - the 200m Individual Medley on Wednesday, September 4, and the 100m backstroke on Friday, September 6.

A former Northwich Centurions and Winsford Swim Team competitor, Poppy’s achievement is something the whole of Mid Cheshire can celebrate and treasure, and I know everyone across the constituency will be very proud of her.

While we can bask in Poppy’s success and that of our other GB athletes at both the Paralympics and this summer’s Olympic Games, we must also remember what it takes to get there.

Poppy competing in the Women's 100m Butterfly - S14 on day one of the Paralympic GamesPoppy competing in the Women's 100m Butterfly - S14 on day one of the Paralympic Games (Image: ParalympicsGB/PA Wire)

The hours of training, dedication and sacrifice, the love, support and understanding of family and friends who travel the length of the country and abroad, making their own sacrifices along the way. All of these behind-the-scenes factors play a huge part as does funding.

UK Sport, which receives Government and National Lottery funding invested almost £8.5m in Para-Swimming during the Paris 2024 cycle.

I am delighted that my colleague, DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, has committed to matching and building upon the financial support the government provides to our Olympic and Paralympic athletes for LA 2028.

Hopefully Poppy’s success will inspire other young people across the constituency, no matter their ability, to take up a sport. With more financial support to draw on, who knows, someone else from Mid Cheshire may one day too be on that podium receiving a medal.

I look forward to Poppy’s homecoming and have high hopes that we can find a suitable way to commemorate her success whilst also inspiring others.