A Glasgow Olympian gymnast has been struck by a sudden mystery illness that makes him sick everytime he goes upside down.

Craig McGarrity, who has autism, will represent Scotland in the Special Olympics for Team GB in Berlin this June - but lately he hasn’t been able to train like normal.

It comes as the talented 15-year-old, from the Southside, has been feeling motion sick every day for six months and has shed over a stone in weight.

Glasgow Times: Craig and his mum Karen are getting ready for him competing in BerlinCraig and his mum Karen are getting ready for him competing in Berlin (Image: Colin Mearns)

He also struggles to sleep as he feels dizzy, and finds going upside down during routines make him feel nauseous.

Now Craig has had MRI scans and tests at The Queen Elizabeth hospital in Glasgow to get to the bottom of his condition.

Despite this he is determined not to give up on his “dream” and is still trying to prepare for the iconic games.

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Glasgow Times: Craig has had an MRI to find out why he feels illCraig has had an MRI to find out why he feels ill (Image: Colin Mearns)

 

Proud mum Karen McGarrity, 51, said: “It’s really unfortunate for him, he has been feeling sick since September.

“He is lost around a stone and a half and has missed lots of training because of it.

“We have medicine now which masks the symptoms a bit, but they aren’t curing whatever it is that is really wrong with him.

“He has had an MRI now to rule out anything wrong with his head and ears.

“Craig’s dream is to be a world gymnast champion so we are really happy he is getting into training again for the Olympics.

“I really hope we can get some answers soon.”

Glasgow Times: Karen is fundraising to help her son with his dream Karen is fundraising to help her son with his dream (Image: Colin Mearns)

Craig had an operation in September 2022 after his thumbnail became infected and spread to his lymph nodes.

He has then given strong antibiotics which Karen said doctors think may have burned a hole in his esophagus, causing his current sickness.

Doctors are investigating this along with his MRI scans to find treatment to help Craig get back to normal.

Glasgow Times: Craig has had an MRICraig has had an MRI (Image: Colin Mearns)

In the meantime Karen is desperately trying to raise cash to make his dream come true by competing in Berlin.

She needs £2,500 to buy his Team GB tracksuit, pay for his flights, and cover training camps before the main event.

Charities have offered to chip in and she has already raised £500 but has set up a fundraiser to cover the rest.

 

Karen said: “As a parent you just want to make your child’s dreams come true, and this is Craigs.

“It is a lot of money but he works really hard and I want to make sure he has everything he needs.

“He told me this might be his only chance so I really want to support him.

“I think Craig will hopefully be back to full health by June so has a real chance.

“Everyone has been so kind and generous to us by donating so far, we are so grateful it means a lot.”

You can donate to Craig here.