A DISABLED Wirral athlete's dreams of competing in the next Paralympics have been boosted by a sponsorship deal.

Nate Williams, 22, from Little Sutton, has cerebral palsy and hopes to be part of Great Britain's squad for the games in Rio in 2016.

The sports journalist graduate is sponsored by coaching firm AFYA, which has provided him with branded kit and a £1,000 to help buy an extra-light carbon fibre race chair.

Nate, who has cerebral palsy, competed for the first time in the £4,300 custom made Bromakin chair at last week’s National Championships.

Nate says: "The donation from AFYA has allowed me to buy the specialist race chair I need to compete at the highest level.

"I used it for the first time last week at the National Championships at Stoke Mandeville and recorded three personal bests.

"My goal has always been to make the Great Britain team and represent my country at the Paralympic Games and inspire others just like Tanni Grey-Thompson inspired me."

Nate raised the rest of the money he needed through donations from family and friends and doing a sponsored push at a leisure centre. He plans to compete internationally in Berlin on June 20-22.

Ben Wood, managing director of AFYA, says: "I was impressed with Nate's dedication and his dream to compete in the next Paralympics so was delighted to be able to help him achieve his goals."