THE family of a teenager with behavioural problems is appealing for funds to help him continue the sport he loves.

Alex McLeod, 14, suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and has developed a flair for speedway after taking up the hobby a year ago.

He made the decision to come off the medication he has taken since the age of five, as it is a banned substance in the sport. This enabled him to get his licence to ride and he has been thriving in the sport ever since.

Proud dad Ian, of Galloway Road, Hamworthy, said Alex had taken up the hobby after the pair went to watch a race together.

He said: "He had his very first small junior bike about March last year, he then changed to a bigger training bike last August and that's when he really took off. He's now on a full-size racing machine.

"He's still training but they're running an under-15 league and Alex is just that step behind that, but we're trying to get him to ride in the under-16s league next year."

Alex regularly travels all over the country to train at different tracks, but has dedicated all his spare time to the hobby.

Ian added: "He's done such a fantastic job we are backing him all the way. This speedway has been a godsend for him. He's fought very hard to deal with his major stumbling block, which is the ADHD, and he's doing so well now.

"We've done everything ourselves so far and a lot of stuff we wanted to do has gone by the wayside, but we wanted to give him every chance we possibly can.

"It's just one of those things, it's an expensive sport. But if there's anyone out there who can help us with sponsorship it would be wonderful."

Anyone who can help should e-mail Ian at i.mcleod7@ntlworld.com.

First published: May 21