This is a day in the sporting life of Dillon. Variety supported Dillon by partially funding a titanium inteceptor sports wheelchair and he is now ready to take on the world with the hope of representing Team GB in Rio 2016.

 

Dillon who received a new wheelchair from Variety the childrens charityMost of my training is on weekends. I wake up early and get ready. Then we are on the road with Dad driving. This is a family undertaking. Typically on a Saturday I go to a training session, which is a one hour drive from my home in Guildford. I then have two hours training with Thames Valley Kings, the Junior Club of which I am a member.

 

On Sunday we go to church in the morning and then later in the day I have a training session from 6pm to 10pm with the Senior Club of which I am a member too, namely Blackhawk Mallards, in Farnborough.

 

I normally get home at 9.30/10pm. I also go to the same club on Fridays 7pm - 9pm for more training.

 

This all means lots of driving, lots of support and help. My Mum and Dad are fantastically supportive of my ambition to reach the highest level possible in wheelchair basketball. They are my number one fans as well as critics.  

 

During the basketball season, I travel all over the country with my parents every weekend, to take part in Junior and Senior Championships. Other than taking part in National League, I have represented the South East of England at Regional level.

 

At the UK school games 2012, I represented England South, in wheelchair basketball, using my new sports chair which was partly sponsored by Variety. My parents and I are so grateful to Variety for the support I received.

 

My ultimate goal is to represent Team GB in wheelchair basketball. The 2012 Paralympics were so inspirational and have given me added drive to achieve my goal.  

 

Thank you Variety for all your support! I shall remember you when I am on that podium!!

 

Dillon

Variety Wheelchairs

For a young wheelchair user, the world can be a place of walls and barriers, where the simplest of freedoms seem unattainable. With a lightweight manual, electric or sports wheelchair, many of those barriers come crashing down, as these children and young people are given the independence they crave.

For a growing child with complex and constantly changing needs, a comfortable wheelchair that fits both their body and their lifestyle can genuinely transform their life.

These are complex and expensive pieces of equipment, and many families face long waiting lists for even a basic wheelchair when they apply through conventional NHS routes. Our team works with families and medical professionals to make sure the right equipment goes where it will make the most difference.

Read how Variety supported sport-loving, Dillon >>

More Information

For more information, please contact our Variety Wheelchair Programme Co-ordinator, Sarah Baulch on 020 7428 8121 or email: sarah.baulch@variety.org.uk

Download

Download an application form and guidelines here.

Application Form
Guidelines

Our Variety Wheelchairs Programme has been running since 1989 and is one of the most successful programmes of its kind, anywhere in the world.