Daisy's Story

Daisy Dickson: A True Sporting Inspiration from Auchterarder

Daisy Dickson, 16 loves sport and has a quiet determined spirit. Originally from Bristol, Daisy moved to Scotland with her family when she was just five years old and has called Auchterarder home ever since.

Daisy was born with Down syndrome. For her, this means she approaches things a little differently.

"I happen to have Down syndrome, which can make sport a little bit harder for me as I take it at a bit of a slower pace," Daisy told us. "But that has never stopped me."

Daisy's sporting journey began at a very young age when she took up horse riding at the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) in Bristol. Her early enthusiasm and talent were even featured on an episode of "My Pet and Me" on CBeebies, where she was shown riding her horse with pride and joy.

After moving to Scotland, Daisy and her mum Donna were introduced to Crieff swimming coach, Kim Marshall, who taught Daisy how to swim—opening the door to a new passion in sport. Later, thanks to friends Kerry and Brogan, Daisy met Graeme Doig at Perth & Kinross Disability Sport. That moment changed everything.

"Then our life got crazy busy 😅" said Donna with a smile.

Through Graeme's support, Daisy was able to explore a wide range of sports through Perth & Kinross Disability Sport’s Rural Perthshire programme, including archery, badminton, tennis, athletics, and Boccia - all while continuing her swimming journey.

Daisy loves boccia best and attends sessions in Crieff on Mondays and Perth on Wednesdays with Perth & Kinross Disability Sport. In addition, she loves swimming and swims with Coach Stuart Farmer and the team at Perth Dolphins Disability Swimming Club, where she continues to thrive.

Graeme told us "When I think back to the Daisy I met for the first time a few years ago at our Outdoor Activity event for young people with Down's Syndrome at Willowgate to the one I see and know now, the difference in amazing! Daisy is a joy to work with, very coachable and takes everything in her stride. She has an unassuming smile that tells me she’s having fun and is doing her best. It’s been great seeing her confidence grow."

Donna shared. "She now does five sports per week, not including competitions and always with a smile and laughter with friends."

Daisy's endeavour and talent have led to some incredible achievements. One highlight was winning her first-ever gold medal at the 2025 Dumfries & Galloway Boccia Championships, as part of a team with her friends Archie Graham and Brogan Dodds.

In swimming, as well as taking part in local, regional and national galas, Daisy travels London every year to compete in the Great Britain Down Syndrome Swimming Championships, where she consistently hits new personal bests.

Her commitment and perseverance have also earned her full colours at school in both Boccia and swimming, and she has been proudly nominated for her school’s Sports Person of the Year in 2024.

Daisy’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She underwent major heart surgery as a baby, and from the age of six, she has faced six major leg operations. These hurdles could have stopped her - but instead, they’ve shaped her into a resilient, determined, and inspiring athlete.

"We are in awe of all the sports Daisy loves doing," mum Donna said. "Always with encouragement and support from myself, her dad, her amazing big brother Lucas, and his girlfriend Alisha."

Daisy has been supported not only by her family but by an incredible community. People like Graeme Doig, Stuart Farmer, Stewart Lobban, Sam and Philip Medley, and many others have helped Daisy grow in confidence, learn new skills, make new friends and most importantly have fun through sport. 

When asked what advice they would give to others looking to get active, Daisy and Donna shared:

"We would advise everyone that can to try as many sports as possible. We’ve made so many new friends through sport, with overnight stays for mums and kids and lots of laughs. Now we have even more friends from different regions!"

Daisy Dickson is a shining example of what determination, resilience, and community support can achieve. Her story reminds us that sport is not just about competition—it’s about inclusion, friendship, and finding joy in those small successes.