Middleton Rotary present cheque to wheelchair racer Stuart Bloor

Stuart Bloor with Middleton Rotary President Ged Heatherington

Middleton Rotary President Ged Heatherington was so impressed with Stuart Bloor's dedication to T54 wheelchair racing that he made Stuart his President’s charity, and the club set about raising funds to help towards his training aim of representing Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Keith Trinnaman, Middleton Rotary treasurer, said: “Stuart receives little funding from official athletic bodies which therefore makes his efforts towards training and racing even more admirable.

“Day in and day out Stuart strives to improve his standards, he recently completed the London marathon in two hours six minutes an excellent time, although two minutes short of his personal best.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/109675/wheelchair-racer-stuart-bloor-completes-london-marathon

Stuart, who was born with spina bifida, has competed in wheelchair racing since 2011, which has seen him compete for Great Britain (GB) at the Anniversary Games, the Diamond League and internationals in Switzerland and Portugal.

Stuart used to be in the GB squad for swimming between 2003 and 2007 until he had his leg amputated in November 2007.

Keith said: “Stuart is a local man from Middleton and we at this club like to, and should, give all the support and encouragement possible to bring on local talent.

“It was with great pleasure that last night Ged presented Stuart with a cheque for £1,000 to help with his training efforts.”

“President Ged said: “It gives me great delight to present this cheque to you Stuart, we at the club are sure that you will achieve your aim and we look forward to cheering you on in Tokyo.”