Ricky races against time

Ricky Balshaw, from Shawbirch, won a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the equestrian individual freestyle event with his horse Deacons Giorgi.

And he had planned to compete in the trials for this year's Games with Lenherr Rocco, but unfortunately the horse is now lame and Ricky needs to raise the money to buy another if he is to make it to the trials.

"I need to find another horse as soon as possible otherwise I won't have time to prepare for the trials," said Ricky. "The London Games will be a huge event for the whole country, and I'm desperate to be a part of it."

Ricky works as a part-time receptionist at Grays Hotel in Telford, which is part of the Southwater Event Group, and his colleagues have been helping to raise funds for his new horse.

Group Marketing manager, Jo Parton, said: "We held a raffle over Christmas with the prizes being donated by suppliers, and we raised over £500 which will go towards Ricky's appeal.

"We're very proud of his success, and we want to help him achieve his goal of competing in the trials and hopefully the Paralympics later in the year."

Ricky said his employers had been very supportive of his sporting dreams, arranging flexible working hours so he can fit in all the training necessary.

"Everyone has been incredibly kind and having the flexibility to adjust my working hours around my training has been invaluable."

It's not been an easy 12 months for Ricky, who has cerebral palsy - last year he broke his back after falling from his horse.

"It's my absolute dream to compete at the London Paralympic Games, and I'm just hoping I can raise the funds I need to find the right horse in time."

Ricky Balshaw wins silver at Beijing 2008