A TEENAGE Paralympic prodigy from Wotton-under-Edge has received a life changing wheelchair following a nationwide charity appeal.

Chloe Ball, 17, has been hitting the target in wheelchair archery, earning herself a dream call-up to Team GB and the chance to compete on the international stage.

The teenager, who was born with major complications to her legs and hips and a rare muscle condition, has worked through a lifetime of major surgery to become part of the Paralympic Podium Potential squad.

Following an appeal from national children’s charity, Caudwell Children, Cleve Archer Ball has received her brand new sports wheelchair worth over £3,500 to help her realise her sporting potential.

Speaking after testing out the new chair, Ball said: “This new chair will make such a huge difference to me. My previous chair did not provide the back support to help me shoot and protect me from injury.

“I will also be able to use this chair for everyday use, saving me from taking two chairs to competitions.”

Caudwell Children work to provide practical and emotional support to families living with disabled children and have helped many young disabled athletes through their Enable Sports programme.

Ball added: “Without Caudwell Children I would have never been able to have this chair and the chance it gives me to reach the top of my game.

“They continue to help young disabled athletes like me throughout the country who cannot afford the expensive equipment they need to compete. I cannot thank them enough for all they’ve done.”

For more information on Caudwell Children’s Enable Sport programme, contact Stacey Smalley on 01782600639 or email Stacey.smalley@caudwellchildren.com