A TALENTED young wheelchair racer from Penketh has secured a vital funding boost from a national law firm.

Ben Callander, 17, got involved in the T33 classification for wheelchair racing after watching the 2012 Paralympics Games in London and is ranked number one in Great Britain in his age category.

He has now been awarded a £500 grant from Irwin Mitchell as part of its Don’t Quit, Do It initiative which will be put towards funding his travel to competitions across the country, as well as the purchase of new equipment to support his training.

David Callander, Ben’s dad, said: “Ever since London 2012 Ben has been focused and committed to wheelchair racing. The entire family is so proud of everything that he has achieved in the past few years and know that he is determined to go even further.

“Sport has transformed his life and it is great to see Irwin Mitchell using its campaign to shine a light on the benefits it can offer. We are very grateful to them for their support.”

Backed by multiple gold medal-winning Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, the campaign aims to highlight the benefits of disability sport and boost participation in such activities.

Jonathan Betts, a partner at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office, said: “Our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign has given us a huge opportunity to both lend a hand to some of the best new sporting talent in the country and also raise awareness of the huge benefits sport can offer.

“Ben’s ranking in wheelchair racing speaks for itself and we are delighted to be able to lend a hand to such a gifted young athlete. He is a great example of how disability sport can change lives and we would like to wish him all of the best for the future.”

The scheme offers individuals, disability sport charities and groups an opportunity to apply for help with the cost of training, equipment or participation in major events. Since its launch it has provided more than £50,000 to a range of different projects in the UK.