Stuart Aiming for Rio

Below is the recent coverage of Personal Training Client Stuart Wright. Over the past 2 years I have been working with Stu and his determination and work ethic has resulted in great improvements in his strength and fitness.  That  determination (aside from trying to throw the medicine ball at me!) has resulted in him obtaining the grant below that will help develop his shooting talent-well done Stu!

Spinal charity helps paralysed shooter target Paralympics

A grant to fund the purchase of a rifle is helping a paralysed Somerset man set his sights on the Paralympics.

Stuart Wright, who sustained a high level spinal cord injury following a cycling accident in 2010, was awarded funding by the regional spinal charity, the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT). The grant has allowed Mr Wright to purchase his own rifle and shooting jacket, which will enable him to practice locally at club level, in addition to taking part in Disability Target Shooting events at Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium. The ultimate aim is to represent Team GB at the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

A former mortgage adviser from Taunton who grew up on a farm nearby, Mr Wright broke his neck three years ago and as a result is tetraplegic. Although he has good arm function, he has no movement in his fingers, and his legs are paralysed. The 35 year old spent almost a year rehabilitating in the region’s specialist spinal centre in Salisbury and was discharged as a permanent wheelchair user.

Talent spotted for shooting at a Paralympic Sports Fest a year ago, Mr Wright goes to Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium once a month for coaching and development as part of their Talent Development Programme. Now with the grant from SSIT and the purchase of his own rifle and shooting jacket, Mr Wright is looking forward to building on his rankings. He commented:

“The grant from SSIT will make a huge difference to my life. My long term aim is to be part of the Paralympic squad & now, with my own equipment I can practice more regularly and really set my sights high.”

Jeremy Major, Trustee of SSIT added: “We aim to help people with spinal cord injury to do the things that improve their quality of life and independence. It’s a real pleasure to help Stuart improve his sport and we shall be following his progress with interest.”