A TEENAGE paraclimber from York has been given a ticket to carry on competing in international competitions by York’s biggest bus operator.

Sianagh Gallagher, 16, from Acomb, who is scaling the heights worldwide as one of the UK’s top paraclimbers despite having only one arm, was handed £2,000 yesterday by First Bus’ charity and sponsorship committee.

A First spokesman said Sianagh had become the first one-armed person to join Team GB’s paraclimbing team in June, but the potential costs of competing were high, and, despite The British Mountaineering Council meeting 50 per cent of her bills, she still needed private sponsorship.

He said Sianagh’s mother, Jade Ross, had applied for assistance to the committee, which was made up of front line staff across First’s North England region.

“They were so impressed by Sianagh’s determination and achievements that they had no hesitation in signing a cheque for the substantial amount,” he said.

Jade said: “We are very grateful to First for this sizeable cheque and for recognizing Sianagh’s achievements so far.”

She said Sianagh, who was born very prematurely with a series of medical problems and was named Sporting Hero in the The Press Community Pride Awards last autumn, was not just representing herself in international competitions but also York and the UK.

“Therefore it is good to see a local business helping out someone from the local community who, with this help, can strive to reach her potential and to achieve so much more.”

Will Pearson, business manager for First in York, said he was delighted to have been able to help Sianagh and Jade follow their ambitions of scaling the heights of the international paraclimbing world.

“Our charity and sponsorship initiative is available to anyone from our staff, customers and communities who just needs that little bit of financial help to continue their worthy projects. Details are on our website,” he added.