A TEENAGE wheelchair racer from Penketh has represented Great Britain for the first time in Switzerland.

Ben Callander, a former pupil at St Gregory’s Catholic High School and Priestley College, has only been racing since 2013 but made his international debut for Team GB at the World Junior Championships recently.

He competed in the 100m, 200m and 400m events.

Ben, who has cerebral palsy and hopes to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, said: “Racing is my passion and I work very hard at it. I train nine times per week on top of going to university where I’m studying sport development and I work part time.

“My training consists of gym, track, road pushes and rollers which acts like a treadmill for racing chairs.

“I also play basketball once a week as I feel it benefits my racing due to the fast nature of the game.”

Wheelchair racing is a very expensive sport due to its uniqueness.

From replacing tyres and gloves, which last three months, to buying a new racing chair as Ben gets bigger, the price to compete is high.

Writing on his fundraising page, Ben said: “Due to my level, I travel all around the country to compete in places such as Aylesbury, Bedford, Coventry and overseas competitions such as Switzerland.

“These are vital for me to compete in as the competition is high which aids my progression.

“As you can imagine, this also comes at a cost due to travel expenses, accommodation and competition fees.”

Ben is taking part in a skydive to raise money for his wheelchair racing and you can donate to Ben’s efforts at www.gofundme.com/f/ben-callander-t34-athlete.