Aindre Reece-Sheerin with his new chair. Behind him are Fran Snoding of Fortis, Susie Farnon Sports Commission, Andy Hall Garrenne Group and Jo Wyatt of Sportingbet.(Picture by Adrian Miller, 0775283)

GUERNSEY’S first racing wheelchair competitor has been kitted out with a chair by a group of local businesses.

Aindre Reece-Sheerin is now ready to race after the Guernsey Sports Commission, Sportingbet, Garenne Group and MeesPierson combined to come to his aid.

Reece-Sheerin is thankful to the sponsors and he will soon be putting it to a competitive test.

‘My intentions in terms of the race chair are to compete again this year in the half-marathon on 21 June and again in aid of Guernsey MS Society.

‘I am hoping to be fit for the full marathon and would be very proud to represent Guernsey at any Island Games level if deemed to be possible.

‘I have been told the Val de Terres is impossible to climb in a wheelchair so that is a definite challenge, which I intend to attempt and very soon after the half-marathon.

‘It would only be possible, though, in my standard chair and YES a huge challenge nonetheless.’

Reece-Sheerin, who has been a paraplegic since a road traffic accident 15 years ago, said the race chair is a world away from a standard chair in so many ways.

‘I am really grateful to the sponsors and clearly to David Warr and all those who supported my application to be able to receive this excellent chair.’