My name is Matthew Lester, I am a 37 year old from Doncaster. I have cerebral palsy, and use a powered wheelchair. I have loved snooker since I was 18 months old, and I began playing competitive cue sports at the age of 13. For the past 3 years I have competed on the World Disability Billiards and Snooker tour. Earlier this year I was a bronze medalist in the disability snooker World Championship in Thailand, and recently I was a semi-finalist in the English disability Championship in Leeds, the first tournament of this season. I am currently the World no.7 in the wheelchair snooker world rankings. Snooker means everything to me, it is much more than a hobby.

The WDBS European Championship is the first world ranking tournament of the season. The tournament will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 20th to 24th September. I have set this crowdfunder up as I need to cover the costs of my PA's travel and expenses as well as my own. As I mention in the video linked on this page, I need a PA to help me get in and out of my wheelchair, washed and dressed. I don't like doing these crowdfunder campaigns, but realistically I wouldn't be able to compete on the tour without the support of people through these crowdfunding campaigns. Money raised through this crowdfunder will go towards flights and hotel costs for me and my PA. Due to my powered wheelchair I need to fly directly to Sofia. As many of you will know, flying as a wheelchair user has it's own challenges.

I never take people's support for granted. Any support is greatly appreciated, whether that is contributing towards my target, or sharing.

Thanks for your time

Matt