Awards Voting - Disabled Shooter of the Year

2024 didn't start very  well due to a knee injury, to the  point I was beginning to think my shooting days were over! After some thought I decided I would give it a try at the English Open and was very pleased when I won high gun disabled sitting class.

I also entered the British Open Sporting and Sportrap and was delighted to win high gun disabled sitting class and runner up in the Sportrap. I was very pleased to find out I  had been nominated for disabled shooter for this year's awards - nice to finish on a high.

I am incredibly grateful to have been nominated for Disabled Shooter of the Year. After another successful year in which I won both the English Open and the British Open ESK Disabled Sitting High Gun, marking my fourth consecutive year.

My biggest accomplishments this year, was 144/150 at the World Skeet Masters.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, Mum and Dad, Stuart along with his team at Eriswell Lodge, as well as all of my shooting friends and family.

I have been a paraplegic for nearly 16 years and although it’s been really tough  adjusting to life in a wheelchair and the other unseen stuff my grit and determination has got me to where I am today. 

When I decided to take up clay pigeon shooting It took me two years to get my shot gun licence as people with post PTSD and shot guns don’t normally go together! I eventually started shooting in June 2023 my first full season being 2024.  It was scary overcoming the logistics of getting to different shooting grounds, people getting used to me and me learning how to shoot in a wheelchair. One of the aspects that was great for me was shooting as an equal, no special treatment but always kindness and respect especially from the people at my local clubs. Also my sponsors Ladds Guns in Crediton and NSI sports Italia. 

So what I have achieved in this last 18 months ?

Moving from C to B class missing out of an A by a tiny margin but watch out 2025! Bywell sponsors day earlier in the year I came third in my class and then the British, European & Worlds achieving  second in the disabled seated class. Locally I won my class in the Kelland Cup a two day shoot in Cornwall, many other smaller events and I also shot for the Devon team in two different disciplines in which Devon won. I’ve just joined the Devon CPSA committee as it’s always good to give something back. I’m proud of what I have achieved over the past 18 months and it goes to show that despite having a disability you can still achieve you’re dreams, goals and ambitions.