clothing,equipment,travel and hotel costs.

My name is George and I am a British Army veteran looking for funding to help with my expenses for wheelchair curling representing the England team, which will allow me the opportunity to progress to the GB squad in the near future.

As a British Army veteran, I have already represented my country protecting the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper. Being part of this environment, 10 Airborne Workshop, 3 RHA and 280 Signal Squadron, makes you want to test yourself and presents you with mental and physical challenges and push past limits I did not know existed. I loved this and needed this feeling again in my life. Especially after my accident which led to me being in my wheelchair.

Trying to find a sport that you enjoy is not easy and it is harder still when you are in a wheelchair. It took a long time to find something competitive that I enjoyed participating in. Wheelchair Curling is now an integral part of my life and I cannot see my life without it, making great friends and being competitive again.

I now curl for Northern Ice Wheelchair Curling Club and their curling rink is in Dumfries. I live in Newcastle, which means travelling roughly two hours to attend training. All of our competitions are held in Scotland meaning that these distances severely limit the amount of time we can practice. We train here as much as possible and this time is precious, as we only have restricted access to the rink. I have also been travelling to Preston Flower Bowl to train – three hours of travelling so I stay overnight which requires accommodation. In spite of these obstacles, I have been identified and inducted into the England Curling Association where I could have the opportunity to play for my country in Finland later in the year. I also attended a talent assessment day for the Great Britain but weeks before, my lung collapsed. Despite this setback, I recovered, took part in the assessment and was selected to be part of the newly established British Curling Paralympic Performance Foundation Programme.

My dream to represent my country is getting closer. However, there are huge cost implications which are getting in the way of this. England Curling are not well funded compared to other curling associations. Although uniform is provided, warm weather gear is not and is very important when you are on the ice for long periods. Specialist curling cues are also necessary to play. The thing I am finding the most difficult to fund myself is travel expenses and accommodation. Travelling to competitions and finding accommodation can be challenging, especially to suit my medical needs and would appreciate any support people could give me. I am excited to, potentially, travel to Finland to represent my country but again this will be expensive to do. Accommodation, flights and insurance for the trip are costly and I would need support with this to make my dream possible.

Any help you can give would all go towards helping me on my journey to show the world what I am made of.