My name is Thomas Marshall, I'm 11-years-old and I'm from Stirchley, in Birmingham.

I was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy at birth, a condition that causes gradual weakness in the legs - but I have recently discovered a sport that I really enjoy, which gives me the freedom to meet new people and compete with others my own age.

I began playing powerchair football 18 months ago, and currently turn out for the development squad of national league outfit Villa Rockets, who play in the Muscular Dystrophy Premier League. 

Many people around me say that in order to progress, I really need my own chair rather than relying on the club's chair. As the Villa Rockets Team Manager, Clive Morley, says ''Thomas has progressed in such a short time and he's proved he can play at a higher level. However, the fact that he doesn't own his own powerchair and has to wait for the club chair to become free, is preventing him from practising in more sessions''

My Mum, Michelle, knows what the sport means to me ''He was very withdrawn before he began to play, but Thomas has really come out of his shell and he's making more friends. I'm desperate for him to keep up with his football as it makes him happy.''

My Dad, Adrian, says that the cost of the chair is way beyond what our family can afford ''The Invacare Storm sports wheelchair would meet Thomas' needs, but unfortunately we simply don't have a spare £4,828 to spend on one. Thankfully, Caudwell Children are helping us reach this goal by giving fundraising support''

I am very grateful for the backing I have received from my friends at Victoria Special School in Bell Hill. I am now appealing to the wider community to support my appeal and help me keep on playing the sport I have come to love!

You can donate direct here on justgiving or via your mobile phone. To donate £5, simply text MARS63 £5 to 70070.

Best wishes, 

Thomas 

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