A POOLE sportswoman who spent two years almost bedbound is now on track to take part in the 2020 Paralympics.

Lisa Chapman is one of only two people out of 1,000 applicants to be selected to join the British Shooting Paralympic Talent Squad for Tokyo 2020. She is now looking for help to fund equipment, as well as corporate sponsorship, to be able to fulfill the opportunity of a lifetime.

The 36-year-old has Chiari Malformation, Syringomylia and Addison’s disease. She uses a wheelchair, has right hand side weakness due to nerve damage and gets easily fatigued. Lisa is currently training her dog Kobi to become an assistance dog with the help of national charity Dog A.I.D.

After attending disability sports evenings at Rossmore sports centre and enjoying air rifle shooting, Lisa was asked to join Hurn Rifle and Pistol Club, where she excelled. She was then recommended to fill in the forms for the British Shooting Paralympic Squad and later received an email asking her to attend a tryout, interview and physical.

Lisa said: “I didn’t expect to get anywhere, as there were so many applicants. However, from 1,000 they chose 12 and from that they chose two – one of them being me! I am totally over the moon, but aware that the hard work must start now. I have six days a month training in Stoke Mandeville, as well as training at my local gun club so the pressure is on.”

All Olympic and Paralympic trainees have to fund their own equipment and travel expenses, unless they have sponsorship. Lisa’s kit will cost in excess of £7,500, without factoring in travel and accommodation expenses for Stoke Mandeville and fees for her local gun club.

Lisa said: "Being disabled I am on a fixed income, so can’t dream of being able to afford this. However, I am determined to have the opportunity of achieving my goal to be a Paralympian, starting with a fundraising sponsored shoot. I will be shooting for one hour and trying to achieve as many bullseyes as I can, so please support me!”

To sponsor Lisa, visit gofundme.com/paralympic-talent-squad. Businesses interested in longer term support should call Lisa on 07702 823333.