I have a disability called Cerebral Palsy. This affects my ability to walk and my overall mobility. However, despite my difficulties, I have always enjoyed putting myself out there and completing a challenge.

One of my biggest challenges was completing the 2015 Castle Howard Triathlon at just 8 years old.

My first (half of a) Parkrun took me 01:01:27. The support I received from everyone was incredible! Even though I felt like a participant when being pushed, using my own legs to complete the course took it to another level! I then began to get quicker and quicker! Then, I started to do parts of it without my frame, I’d just let go of it, and expect my dad who was walking with me to push it…

Getting to this moment didn’t come easy – I had to do hours of physio and exercises which I have my mum to thank for. She spent hours with me – Whilst I was usually being a pain and not wanting to do what she asked! However, she didn’t take any moaning or complaints, she made me do it. Although I didn’t like it at the time, I thank her immensely for it now.

In August of 2014, Uncle John and dad travelled down to London to do that year’s London Triathlon. Whilst they were trying to get everything sorted before setting off, I remember asking them exactly what they were doing in London, and what a triathlon was. When I was told that it was a swim, cycle and a run (the three sports I really enjoyed doing) all in one race, I knew that should be my next challenge!

Whilst searching for junior triathlons, my dad came across the Castle Howard Triathlon, organised by Castle Triathlon Series (now Castle Race Series). My dad called to find out whether it would be ok for me to enter, and explained that I would also need him to go around with me. They were, and have always been, very accommodating.

I remember the claxon sounding and off I went! Swim safety was by my side for the majority of the 100m loop, I remember them asking me if I was ok and then giving them a thumbs up as I was swimming! Whilst I don’t blame swim safety for constantly having an eye on me, I had all the confidence in the world; everything I had done since learning to walk at the late age of five had led me to this moment and I was going to take it all in!

After getting out of the water – with a helping hand from Castle legend Simon, I remember the vast amount of support I received from spectators cheering me on. Castle Howard had such a long run to transition; it was that long dad had to carry me on his shoulders!

Nearing the finish, I could hear the voice of the commentator, the great Peter Jack (whose commentary makes the moment more special for me). Peter, along with the cheering crowd gave me a little extra energy; I went from walking down the finishing straight to running with a massive grin on my face.

I had set myself the goal that I wanted to do part of the run without my frame, so I let go of it; I wanted to finish on my own. I was so focused on where the finish line was, I hadn’t realised that there was a piece of artificial turf covering up some wiring. Not being great at picking my feet up even now, I tripped over the artificial turf. For me, falling was nothing new, so I just got back up again. However, knowing that I had the crowd watching, I rushed and didn’t give myself time to regain my balance so fell again! After getting back to my feet for a second time I finally made it over the finish line!

At the Awards ceremony, I met David Beckham! I didn’t watch football then, so when I walked in, I asked him who he was! He told me he used to be a footballer and he asked which team I supported. I had recently been invited to be a mascot at a Doncaster Belles match, so I just said “Doncaster”. He thought I meant Doncaster Rovers!

In 2016, I completed the entire series, (Lough Cutra Castle, Cholmondeley Castle, Castle Howard, Château de Chantilly & Hever Castle). Since then, I have done as many as I can each year. Last year included the new addition of Belvoir Castle (which has replaced Castle Howard in the Castle Race Series calendar). 

I think the most challenging venues are Castle Howard and Belvoir Castle. I remember at Howard in 2022 being in so much pain, both physically and mentally because of how demanding the course was, walking over the finish line in tears and being consoled by Brian after taking more than three hours to complete the 15-16 years triathlon. 

One thing I remember was that one of the crew members (a former Royal Marine), called Griff, used to surprise me all the time! At random times, whether I was racing or not, he would come out of nowhere and shout “Always be prepared!” which made me jump. This became a funny inside joke.

Because of how much good the Castle weekends are, when I first started doing the events I would get very upset when I had to leave everyone.

I asked Peter Jack, who was amazing on commentary for my race in 2015 (and I urge anyone who hasn’t heard his admirable work to take a listen to it on the video of me completing my first triathlon in 2015 – It puts Martin Tyler’s 93:20 lines to shame) to write a few words as to what he was thinking when coming up with those lines.

“It was the end of a typically busy Castle Triathlon race weekend. I had been on my feet with a microphone for nine hours. I was, quite frankly, dead on my feet. Then, suddenly, a ripple of excitement and anticipation ran round the finish line crowd. Although it was late and the weekend’s festival of racing was nearly done, here was a volcanic moment about to erupt. There, struggling his way up one final hill with 100m to go, was a kid holding onto a walking frame. He obviously was a lifelong sufferer of a debilitation condition but he didn’t care about that, all he cared about was making it to the hallowed finish line like every other of the 5,000 finishers that weekend.

Bailey, as I soon discovered he was called, quite simply brought the house down and he has been doing it ever since too.

An inspiration to many and an example to all of us to never give up, Bailey Matthews is a fantastic young man, whom it has been my privilege and honour to know for the last 10 years. A decade older he knows that life can still be unfair but he simply keeps on keeping on, still fighting, still achieving, still showing the rest of us that we have nothing to complain about.

Bailey, I hope to be describing your triathlon achievements for many years to come on many more finish lines. Keep smiling, keep shinning and keep showing us all why we should all ‘Be More Bailey!’”

— Peter Jack, Castle Race Series Commentator

Over the last ten years, Bailey hasn’t just inspired fellow athletes; he’s inspired all of us at Castle Race Series. He’s truly part of our Castle Race Series family, and his determination, humour, and heart remind us why we do what we do. It’s been a privilege to watch his journey —and I can’t wait to see where it will take him next.”

— Brian Adcock, Race Director, Castle Race Series

In 2025, Bailey will be racing at Cholmondeley, Belvoir, and Hever—celebrating an incredible milestone: 10 years of racing with the Castle Race Series. This season, he’s stepping up from the Starter Sprint to the Super Sprint distance, taking on a new challenge while proudly wearing his iconic race number 1915—the same number he wore at his very first triathlon at Castle Howard in 2015.

If Bailey’s journey has inspired you to “Be More Bailey,” why not join him on the course? Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or trying it for the first time, there’s a place for everyone in this inclusive and uplifting community.

Bailey’s trademark smile, resilience, and spirit light up every race weekend. We’re thrilled to celebrate a decade of his inspiring journey—and we can’t wait to see what he achieves next!