WATCH: Worksop’s Bailey Matthews presented with Helen Rollason award at Sports Personality of the Year 2015

Worksop’s Bailey Matthews received rapturous applause and a standing ovation after being presented with the Helen Rollason award at the Sports Personality of the Year 2015 in Belfast on Sunday night.
Bailey Matthews on stage at Sports Personality of the Year 2015 in BellfastBailey Matthews on stage at Sports Personality of the Year 2015 in Bellfast
Bailey Matthews on stage at Sports Personality of the Year 2015 in Bellfast

The youngster, who has cerebral palsy, marched on stage unaided to collect his accolade from swimmer Rebecca Adlington and presenter Clare Balding.

A video of the eight-year-old completing a children’s triathlon in North Yorkshire after pushing away his walking aid earlier this year went viral and has since been viewed more than 80 million times.

The Helen Rollason award is named after the late BBC sports presenter who died in 1999 from cancer. It is presented for “outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.”

When presented with the award, Bailey told the audience at the SSE Arena: “You can stop cheering now.”

When asked what he enjoys about sport, he said: “It is amazing. It feels good.”

He said he now aims to complete five more triathlons.