My name is Bethany Wheeler (no pun intended). I play wheelchair basketball for London Titans, Brunel University and am now part of the GB under 25 program.

Since being picked for the GB under 25 program my ambitions have changed. I am training to establish myself as a Senior GB International, my dream is to represent GB at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

To make this happen I must self-fund a bespoke playing chair. I currently borrow a club level chair which isn’t suitable for my disability and greatly limits my playing ability. GB coaches have commented on my chair and have advised the sooner I get a new chair the better. I injure my back regularly using my current chair and am in great discomfort when playing.

My condition is complex and largely unknown, I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3. This affects me in many ways, I regularly dislocate joints including; shoulders, knees & wrists. As my condition, has worsened I am now unstable on my feet and a full-time wheelchair user.

Sport is my life, its helped me transition from being almost fully able, playing sports every-day to now being a wheelchair user. Wheelchair basketball has given me a chance that I never thought possible, to pursue a career in sport.

I first started the sport 2 years ago, at a taster session at Seevic College. No longer able to run; playing sport PAIN FREE allowed me to rediscover my love for sport. After attending sessions in Harlow ran by Paralympian Rich Chiassaro, I wanted to play more. I moved clubs so I could play competitively where the coach Ann Wild herself a 5 X GB Wheelchair Basketball Paralympian encouraged me to sign for London Titans. A year after starting at Harlow I was asked to attend GB futures and from this I was invited onto the GB U25 program.

Your support will fund a much-needed new playing chair, outdoor wheels allowing me to train anywhere, and essential court-time so I can put in the hours to achieve my dream.

THANK-YOU for Reading & Donating