A WIRRAL dad who has dreams of competing in dressage in the 2020 Paralympics needs to raise £1,000 to compete in the National finals.

Craig Harrison, 38 , from Prenton won the Grade 1 to 6 walk senior category in the North West Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) show after just five weeks of training representing his group the Foresters Horn.

He now needs help to raise cash to compete in order to achieve his dream of reaching the Paralympics in 2020 or 2024.

Craig told the Globe: “I’ve always loved horses and rode in Primary School.

“I lost my leg when I was seven due to it being deformed since birth.

"I started with chronic pain about 10 years ago that has got progressively worse over time.

“I also have hip dysplasia and scoliosis. I now suffer from chronic pain in my back and my hips but I was told that horse riding is meant to be therapeutic.

“I began horse riding again at Foxes Riding School but sadly my nan passed away and I developed really bad depression and stopped riding altogether.

“It was around September when I went back last year and I was still interested in para dressage.

“After approaching the Mersey County RDA coach Moira Pemberton she agreed to become my trainer and said that she could see I had a passion for the sport.”

Wirral Globe:

Craig began riding once a week and after his first dressage test scored 66% he qualified for the RDA national championships.

“I went to another yard in Upton and the owner Natalie Bodell let me use her horse Beauty to compete on.

“I gave her a ride and we clicked straight away so I asked Natalie whether she would let me take her to the championships and she said yes.

“I now train up to three or four days a week. The RDA North West was the first time I had come face-to-face with other competitors as I hadn’t been out of my home yard at Alwood Donkeys in Upton.

“Beauty gave me a great ride on the day and we scored 73%, it was the highest score of the day and after just five weeks work I was exceptionally happy to get that score, just totally overwhelmed.

“Without my wife Helen, my son Clayton and coach Moira I wouldn’t have got to where I have.”

In the next few weeks Craig needs to raise £1,000 to help with competition fees and to get him to Gloucestershire to compete in the national finals from 14 to 16 July.

“I have to show I’m serious about this sport and I’m training extra hard to get where I want to be.

“I’ve got the talent I just need to get to the Paralympics but without people’s help, I won’t be able to get there.

“I know times are tough but I’m so appreciative of any support people can give me.”

For more information visit https://www.gofundme.com/2smvv0c