An artist is helping to boost a dedicated athlete’s dream of reaching the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

Nate Williams, 22, from Little Sutton, has already raised £600 towards the £3,000 to £4,000 cost of a brand new sports wheelchair custom designed and made for his needs.

A former wheelchair basketball player he started wheelchair racing last year and trains at a club in Leeds hoping to compete for Great Britain in Rio.

Competing in the class for athletes with Cerebral Palsy, he was named the under-23 national champion in his debut season.

Thanks to his fundraising at David Lloyd Leisure, Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port, Nate has been able to put the deposit down and order his chair but now needs to raise the remainder of the funds in order to pay off the balance.

During his three day fundraising session, another member at the club, professional artist Mike Clancy, offered to make a painting that Nate could raffle in order to raise extra money.

The painting ‘Paralympicture’ is now on display at the club and everybody who donates more than £5 to 

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will be entered into a draw to win it.

This will take place on Friday March 21 alongside an auction with former Everton player Graeme Sharp.

Kris Ball, general manager at David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks, said:“We have seen some real generosity recently from our members and Mike has spent a lot of time on his painting to help Nate raise the money for his racing chair.

“We really hope that over the coming weeks we can create enough awareness to raise enough for the balance on the chair.

“Once Nate has the right equipment he can really set his sights on reaching the Paralympics in Rio 2016 and we wish him the best of luck in his training at the club!”

Mike added:“I hope the picture makes money towards Nate's racing chair and brings public awareness to help his quest for the Paralympics.

“A picture paints a thousand words and hopefully brings in donations.”

Although his main aim is to qualify for the 2016 Paralympics, he would like to use the chair to raise money for children’s charities by competing in marathons across the country if he falls short of a place.

Nate is also looking for potential sponsors and anyone who thinks they can help is asked to get in touch with the David Lloyd club.