Meg’s story – How Inclusive Skating is helping an elite athlete fulfil her dreams

At CHH, we believe in supporting our people and their families to reach their full potential. That commitment extends beyond the workplace, which is why we are proud to sponsor Meg McFarlane, daughter of our Chief Business Officer, Cory McFarlane, as she continues her journey as an elite skater. Meg, who has Down syndrome, has shown exceptional determination, talent, and resilience in pursuing her passion. Her story reflects the values we hold at CHH and demonstrates what can be achieved when people are supported to follow their dreams.

 

Meg first discovered skating at the age of six after watching Dancing on Ice with her family. Her enthusiasm for the sport was immediate. While her father admits he could barely step onto the ice, Meg took to it straight away. She soon demonstrated her potential and before long was getting one-to-one coaching with her instructor, Louisa Chatwin. Most days began with early morning sessions on the ice and Meg began impressing everyone with her talent and drive.

 

By the time she was ten, Meg competed in her first Inclusive Skating Championships in Dumfries, where she showed a natural flair and love for the sport. Her dedication led to her being invited to join Team GB in 2014. That year she travelled to Vienna, Austria, for a pre–World Winter Games event and achieved an impressive fourth place finish. Her family, coach, and the entire Inclusive Skating community were immensely proud.

 

Now 22, Meg is recognised as one of the top inclusive skaters in the world with an intellectual disability. Her journey has taken her to competitions around the world representing Great Britain and doing what she loves most. When she is not on the ice, Meg attends the Portland College day centre, where she enjoys performing arts, crafts, and spending time with friends. She also loves golf, horse riding, and anything Disney.

 

Meg’s progress and success have been made possible through the support of Inclusive Skating, a world-recognised charity founded by Margarita Sweeney-Baird BEM. The organisation provides training, events, and competitions for skaters with additional needs, giving them the opportunity to develop, compete, and achieve in a supportive and inclusive environment.

 

Meg has been part of Inclusive Skating since its early years, and it has been central to her development as both an athlete and an individual. The charity helps skaters “live the dream” by removing barriers and creating pathways for people of all abilities to participate. It now has around 400 skaters on its world rankings and continues to grow internationally. Its vision is that one day inclusive skating will be recognised as a Paralympic sport.

 

Margarita said, “We have known Cory, Nic and Meg since we began developing Inclusive Skating in 2010. Meg has been a wonderful part of our community, competing at events across the world. The support from CHH and the McFarlane family has been invaluable. This year CHH has gone a step further by providing branded water bottles for all competitors at the World Inclusive Skating Championships at Lee Valley. That support means so much to us and to our skaters.”

 

Cory has supported Inclusive Skating for many years, volunteering at events and helping with photography, videos, and logistics. His connection to the charity is deeply personal, shaped by his daughter’s journey.

 

Cory said, “Inclusive Skating does incredible work. It creates a community where every skater belongs and has the chance to shine. For Meg, it has been life changing. She has travelled the world, represented her country, and grown in confidence while doing something she truly loves. As a father, that means the world to me. As a leader at CHH, I am proud that our company supports both Meg and the charity that makes this possible. It shows what can happen when people are given opportunities to reach their potential.”

 

CHH’s sponsorship helps cover Meg’s training, travel, and competition costs, which can be challenging for families as the sport receives no public funding. The company’s recent donation of water bottles for the World Championships is another example of its ongoing support. For CHH, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, aspiration, and making a positive difference.

 

Meg’s achievements inspire everyone who knows her and demonstrates the power of dedication and belief. She embodies CHH’s values and she competed at the World Inclusive Skating Championships in October 2025.  Meg had a wonderful week at the competition and came away having won 5 medals; two gold, two silver and one bronze!

 

CHH is proud to champion Inclusive Skating and the opportunities it creates for people with additional needs. The organisation relies entirely on charitable donations and volunteers to continue its work, helping skaters like Meg build confidence, make friends, and achieve their goals.

 

To learn more about Inclusive Skating, visit www.inclusiveskating.org.