Hi and thanks for taking the time to look at my page.

My life changed in Dec 2009 when I was attacked whilst at work supporting a young man with learning difficulties. I was told months later it was a planned attack on the vulnerable young person as the assailants thought though the young mans mother owed a drugs debt. They had been paid to come up from Merseyside and assault him in the hope of getting the money.

On the evening in question I was with, I’ll call him John to avoid any confidentially issue, returning to his flat in a communal building after being out playing pool. We had been told by our team and area manager's to be vigilant as a threat had been made a week or so previous when two men had come to his door asked for money. Staff dismissed them and notified police. The staff were told by Management that it was just two opportunists wanting to see if they could get fifty quid and that they won't be back.

As we entered the stair well two men wearing balaclavas were standing there waiting. I got John to run upstairs hoping he would lock himself in his room while I tried to block the stairs as I knew that John would stand no chance against the two men. One came at me with a knife and we tussled. I can remember thinking if I can stall them for a few minutes John might have time to ring the police.

I ended up on my side seeing one of them pouring petrol around the area where recycling bags were and over my legs. They then ran out taunting me by throwing unlit matches at me. To my horror they then lit one. As you can imagine the whole area including my legs went up in flames in seconds. I crawled outside shouting for help, legs alight. I can remember someone standing over me going to pour something and shouting “NOOOOO” thinking it was more petrol. Thankfully it was water.

The consultant who initially saw me warned me that I may lose both legs but thankfully they were able to save them. I have however had to have over 17 operations including toes amputated and ankles fused, one of which had to be done twice as the first was unsuccessful. It is likely that I will need further operations in the coming years too. I now have to use wheelchair for longer distances and in the last 6 months had circulatory problems in lower legs (they get ice cold) but it's moving up legs.

I have for as long as I can remember enjoyed sport and was sitting watching a football match in my wheelchair when a man approached me and invited me to try wheelchair basketball. I did and loved it. Being part of something again and belonging to a team was brilliant. I love the training and games and have made some real friends too. These friends, whilst dealing with their disabilities, have helped me tremendously with my physical and mental wellbeing.

Over last four years we as a team have been successful moving up the league's right to the premier league this season. Sadly, due to several reason players left club and the team had to fold.

Not only do I love wheelchair basketball, but I also love assisting with the development of younger / less experienced players. I've been invited to join another team who also play in the national league but unfortunately, I don't own my own chair and the new club does not have one that is suitable.

Wheelchair basketball chairs are extremely expensive costing in the region of £5000! Although I am back working as a Care Worker, I have a limited income and therefore unable to fund the purchase of the specialist chair I need. I may be able to contribute toward the cost however what I could afford would be nowhere near enough. Therefore, I have set up this page to help me raise the funds needed. I am a proud man and do not like asking for charity. However, without additional financial support I will have to stop playing the game I love with the people that mean so much to me.

I hope you feel that it is something you are able to support. Please contact me if there is any other information I can provide.

Thank you very much for your time.

Neil Howson