Commonwealth Games Paralympian hopeful’s plea for sponsorship support

Dec 1 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

A BATHGATE man left paralysed after a horror motorcycle crash is urging local businesses to help him fulfil his Commonwealth Games dream.

Nathan MacQueen, 20, of Russell Drive, Wester Inch, was left fighting for his life after losing control of his motorbike and crashing into an on-coming car two years ago.

He was left paralysed from the waist down after breaking his back in the horrific smash.

Since then, Nathan has turned to weightlifting and is zeroing in on a chance to compete in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He has already impressed Team GB coaches who have added him to the shortlist.

And he admits taking part in the international event would be a dream come true.

But Nathan says that he will need financial support to keep his Commonwealth Games dream alive.

He told the Courier this week: “It would be absolutely amazing to take part in the Commonwealth Games especially as they are being held on home soil.

“I only took the sport up six months ago and I know there’s a lot of work to go before the games - however it would be incredible for me to get to take part.

“Weightlifting has given me something to concentrate on after the accident and it would be a dream come true for me to get to take part in the games.”

But Nathan, who was forced to give up a promising career as a joiner as a result of the accident, admits he is finding it hard to pay the running costs involved in his challenging training schedule.

Now he is looking for businesses in the West Lothian area to offer their support and sponsor him.

He has already sent out floods of letters to companies asking for their help to allow him to continue his schedule.

But aside from the protein supplement brand Maximuscle, he hasn’t heard back from anyone.

Now he is hoping the appeal in the Courier will pay dividends and he will get the support he needs.

He said: “I’m at the stage now where I need to be training four times a week.

“The sessions with the GB coaches are in Edinburgh and it’s costing a lot to have to go over there so often.

“I’m hoping local businesses in the area will support me and sponsor me.

“I would get them as much coverage as I could and make sure it was worth it for them.”

Nathan finished second at an in-house competition held in Leeds a fortnight ago where he managed 95kg, 100kg and 105kg lifts.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Nathan can contact him on 07791690847.