Double celebration time for brothers Bailey and Finlay

There was a double celebration in one Worksop household after brothers Bailey and Finlay Matthews both picked up accolades.
Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster is congratulated by his Dad Jonathan  after  crossing  the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster is congratulated by his Dad Jonathan  after  crossing  the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.
Bailey Matthews 8 from Doncaster is congratulated by his Dad Jonathan after crossing the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.

Nine-year-old Finlay, who attends Redlands Primary School in Worksop, achieved individual apparatus gold for his floor performance whilst representing Retford Gymnastic Club at the London Open.

And just 24 hours later, Bailey, who also attends Redlands, collected a child of courage award at the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

Dad Jonathan said: “It was just one of those once-in-a-lifetime weekends.

Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster  gets a kiss from his mother  Julia  after he crossed the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.Bailey Matthews  8 from Doncaster  gets a kiss from his mother  Julia  after he crossed the finish line  to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.
Bailey Matthews 8 from Doncaster gets a kiss from his mother Julia after he crossed the finish line to complete his first ever triathlon at Castle Howard on sat.

“I don’t think there is an English word to describe it.

“It is quite momentous for us, we have never had anything like this before.”

Finlay has been participating in gymnastics since last year and he is hoping to be selected for the National Finals in November.

And Bailey, who has cerebral palsy, is aiming to compete more triathlons next year when training re-starts.

Finlay Matthews with his gold medalFinlay Matthews with his gold medal
Finlay Matthews with his gold medal

The eight-year-old rose to national fame after pushing away his walking frame to cross the finish line of a children’s triathlon in North Yorkshire in July.

The video went viral around the globe, which resulted in him meeting TV personality David Walliams on a sight-seeing tour of the Tower of London, who surprised him by telling him that he had been nominated to attend the annual Pride of Britain Awards.

Jonathan said: “All the publicity we have had has been 100 per cent unintended, it is not what it has been about.”

Mum Julie paid tribute to everyone at Redlands, who have given great support to the brothers.

Finlay Matthews with his gold medalFinlay Matthews with his gold medal
Finlay Matthews with his gold medal

She said: “They would not be where they are today without them.

“The interest they have shown in what they do has been brilliant.

“I am incredibly proud of both of them, they have worked incredibly hard.

“Finlay’s gymnastics coach has really helped him.”

Bailey stole the show in front of a host of stars at the Pride of Britain Awards.

The likes of footballing superstar David Beckham, Olympic champion long jumper Greg Rutherford, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, swimmer Rebecca Adlington and diver Tom Daley were all in attendance, but Bailey showed no nerves as he won the hearts of the stars and the millions watching on television across the country.

The multi-talented youngster proudly marched on stage, took hold of the microphone and told the audience: “Get seated now.”

His next line had the audience laughing even harder, as he innocently explained that he had stayed up until late the night before because: “Mum was out drinking.”

After the presentation, Bailey met Beckham, who told him that his suit ‘was cool’.

Julie said: “We never expected any of this but everybody has been lovely.

“The people around us like the mums at school have all said how proud they are.

“It has been a bit overwhelming.”

Related topics: