Torchbearer Chloe's dream to compete in next Paralympic Games
A teenager who carried the Olympic torch in Shropshire has ambitions of making the 2016 Olympics herself – but she needs a new wheelchair to set her on the road to realising her dream.
Chloe Stanik, 14, of Leominster, had the honour of carrying the flame through Ludlow.
Afterwards she told her mum she was going to be 'in it next time' and hopes to compete in wheelchair basketball.
The youngster, who attends Weobley High School, was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when she was seven and also has ADHD and parasomnia. She has no muscles from the knees down and wears splints on her legs 24 hours of the day.
Chloe's illness limits what she can do and where she can go but wheelchair basketball has given her a new lease of life, says her mum Sue Woodland.
She said: "Now Chloe says I am what I am and I do wheelchair basketball. She has a completely different positive attitude and absolutely loves the sport. She is very competitive and puts all her frustrations into the game."
Chloe is a member of the Hereford Harriers team and they are hoping to get into the league soon but she needs a special made-to-measure wheelchair, which will cost about £1,800.
Sue has vowed to contribute £300 hopes to raise the rest.
They are holding a charity exercise day on Sunday, March 10, at Halo Leisure Centre in Leominster between 9.30am and 1.30pm. To take part call 07962 532231 or just turn up on the day.
