A Frome woman with a physical disability has taken a step closer to representing the England para-surfing team after achieving a top international qualification, following two heart attacks last year.
Kay Millar, a full-time wheelchair user living with limb paralysis and arm weakness, travelled to Spain to complete her ISA international surfing classification, a year earlier than expected, thanks to sponsorship from Frome Rotary.
The trip allowed her to observe elite competition, connect with coaches, and map out her future training plan. She is now being supported by Team England coaches.
“Surfing has become more than a sport for me; it’s a lifeline,” said Kay. “For someone with a busy brain and a harsh inner critic, the waves are the only place I feel calm, capable and completely in the moment.”
Kay has long faced barriers to accessing sport and has faced multiple health setbacks over the last two years.
Stepping away from her full-time career to focus on her health, Kay discovered a love of para-surfing through Nova Sports and The Wave in Bristol.
“Nova Sports started me off on this journey,” she said. “The sport came naturally to me. It’s the only time when my brain feels quiet and I love learning new ways to improve my surf.
“While I still enjoy playing basketball, stepping away from the team environment to focus on myself has been transformative for my mental wellbeing.”
Sharing her story with members of the Frome Rotary, Kay was invited to talk at one of the group’s meetings.
President of Frome Rotary, Richard Lines, said, “We invited Kay to talk to us about the challenges she faced in progressing in competitive para-surfing. We were instantly struck by her tenacity and determination to succeed. We knew immediately we had to help her on the step to international recognition. We will follow her rise up the international ranks closely and continue to support her; she is such an inspiration.”
Kay is also fundraising for a bespoke adaptive surfboard tailored to her needs and has received support from Frome Rotary. She said, “I am so thankful for the support from the Rotary Club and hope this is just the beginning. I hope to get local companies involved with sponsorship to help me get to future training camps and competitions. I want my board to look like a Formula 1 car – with advertisements of all the wonderful people who have helped me get to where I am and will be.”
To support Kay’s fundraising campaign, visit https://shorturl.at/Oti8S
