A SPORTING star with Down’s Syndrome is one step closer to defending his title - but first has to get to Canada.

Daniel McGauley was only given a year to live when he was born.

As well as Down’s Syndrome the 29-year-old has autism and is deaf in one ear.

Despite a number of major operations he has defied all odds and has been powerlifting since he was in his early 20s.

Daniel, from Highwoods in Colchester, first went to Canada in 2015 to represent Great Britain in the Special Olympics and came away with four gold medals.

In 2017, he continued his winning streak at the South Africa Special Olympics, walking away with two gold and three silver medals.

His mum, Judith, said he has been selected again to represent Great Britain at the Commonwealth Championships in Canada and defend his title.

On his fundraising page she said: “Daniel inspires all around him with his passion and enjoyment of powerlifting.

“He has overcome numerous medical issues and operations including open heart surgery twice.

“But he continues to surpass all medical expectations and has become an avid powerlifter competing all over the world.

“He has been selected again to represent Great Britain at the Commonwealth Championships in Canada and defend his title as he has already won it twice.

“These competitions are not funded and we need your help towards the costs of getting him there.

“Every penny would help towards Dan’s dream of defending his title and lifting again.”

If the funds are found, he will be flying out to Canada on September 12 and will be heading to the world championships in Dubai in November.

His mum added: “He trains every week and is really excited to go back to Canada again. I’ll be going out there with him.

“It’s a big deal for him, he’s done really well. He even had eye surgery earlier this year.”

Daniel became interested in powerlifting when he started going to the gym to improve his fitness.

He trains at Hamiltons gym, on Severalls Business Park, Colchester.

As well as training, he takes part in swimming, martial arts and fencing, and has completed two Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-special-needs-powerlifter-dan-get-to-canada.