My name is Luke Holland, I'm 14 and I'm from Alma Park, in Grantham. 

Right now, I am hoping you will support my appeal for Caudwell Children, as they are giving me the opportunity to keep on playing the sport I love.

I have cerebral palsy, a condition that restricts the movement of my joints, and my one passion since the age of 10 has been playing Wheelchair Basketball. I enjoy turning out for the Newark Jaguars at Under 15’s and in the past I have represented the East Midlands Regional Squad on five occasions.

And without wanting to blow my own trumpet, just last month I secured a silver medal with the East Midlands Squad at the prestigious Lord’s Taverners National Junior Championship, held at the University of Worcester!

But despite my success, I fear I may have to give up the game that has given him so much. As my mum, Liz, explains: “In order to play Luke has to borrow a wheelchair from his club. This is far from ideal as is doesn’t fit him properly and currently it’s being held together with tape.

Of course I don't want to stop playing. My dream is to get into the National League, and maybe after that the Paralympic GB team. Wheelchair Basketball keeps me fit and has introduced me to new friends and given me independence and confidence. The thought of being unable to play the game is unbearable. 

Unfortunately, there is a considerable financial barrier to our family purchasing the wheelchair. As my Mum explains: “The chair is perfectly designed to improve Luke’s agility and speed on court. However, whilst I know it would take him to the next level, these chairs don’t come cheap and at £4,049 it’s way beyond my budget.”

But now, thanks to fundraising support from Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families, Liz has started a campaign to help raise the money needed for the specialist equipment. She said: “The charity has already helped us to contact a number of different organisations including; rotary clubs, masons lodges and other charities.

I am totally committed to my sport and promise to keep on giving it 100% if I get my new chair. I makes the 34 mile round trip to Newark to play for four hours every Saturday, and do the same distance to Lincoln each Monday to train for one and a half hours, before going back to Newark again on a Wednesday for another two hours training.

If you could donate to my appeal I would really appreciate it - either here on just giving or by text: JAGS55 £amount 70070.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my story.

Luke

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.