A YOUNG Wirral swimmer's dream of flying the flag for England has come true after generous Globe readers donated more than £1,700 towards his trip to America.

Nathan Young, from Wallasey, is one of 15 swimmers who will take the plunge after being selected to represent Team GB Deaf Swimming Club at the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Texas this August.

The 15-year-old, who began swimming at the age of nine, is profoundly deaf as a result of a genetic condition which has seen his hearing deteriorate rapidly since being diagnosed as a toddler.

Nathan – who attends Kingsmead School - is required to self-fund the £2,500 trip to Texas and following an appeal in the Globe, he is one step closer to achieving his dream.

He was presented with a cheque for £500 from the Wirral YMCA last month for the trip after being recognised as a YMCA Ambassador and has since been handed dozens more cheques – sent in by Globe readers – totalling £1,773. He has now reached his target.

Nathan - a member of Bebington Swimming Club – said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support. When I received the money from people I’ve never met but who want to help me pay for my trip to Texas, I was lost for words."

Last November, Nathan underwent a double cochlear implant operation but was back to his full six days a week training almost immediately.

Proud mum Lisa told the Globe that Nathan’s deafness makes it difficult for him to socialise, listen to music, go to the cinema or talk on the phone, with swimming his “normal”.

He only returned to swimming in 2013 after an 18 month hiatus, something that Lisa says makes her son’s success even sweeter.

Lisa, who described the trip as an “opportunity of a lifetime”, said: "Honestly, there are no words to describe how we feel about the wonderful people on the Wirral, most of whom we've never met.

"This money together with donations from the YMCA, Leasowe WI and many others means we have reached Nathan's target.

"I want them to know that they have done something that is so incredible. For these people to make a donation and send it with such good wishes has left not only myself but our entire family completely humbled. We thank you all so much."

Nathan - who picked up his GB kit on Thursday - will be sending thank you notes to all those that provided their addresses.

He will complete an individual training log each month in the run up to August so his head coach can monitor his progress. He is now training 16 hours a week for the competition.