Ben's dream is to compete in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

Ben is my younger brother and was born with cerebral palsy. This means Ben is unable to walk independently and relies solely on his wheelchair for transport. Growing up surrounded by sporty individuals, Dad, brothers, cousins and Uncles it was easy for Ben to take an interest in sport from the off but it was finding the sport he loved and he was able to take part in, without feeling restricted, which was the difficult task. He tried a few sports out such as Wheelchair Basketball and contemplated wheelchair rugby but with his heart not set on any of them and the numerous setbacks he had due to operations throughout his childhood it was difficult for him to want to get involved.

Summer of 2012, Ben had won tickets to go and watch the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Ben immediately took a shine to the occasion and had an interest in the wheelchair racing athletes. Ben only spoke about wheelchair racing all the way home and for weeks to come. This was the sport Ben had been crying out for. Within a week Mum found Ben a wheelchair racing club in Stockport, this was where Ben's journey began. Straight away Ben had a natural talent for the sport and he was only going to get better and better due to his young age of 13.

Wheelchair racing is a very expensive sport due to its uniqueness and specification of users, every year Ben needs new equipment from tires and gloves to a brand new chair as he gets older and bigger. Due to Ben reaching a very good level he travels around a lot to training and competitions. Training twice a week at Kirby and competing throughout the year in London, Coventry and Loughborough and then in the past year he has competed internationally in Switzerland and Tunisia with more to follow.

I am running in the Warrington Half Marathon on 17th September to raise money for Ben's dream. We have raised £550 so far and with just over a month to go anymore donations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.