A GRADUATE from Dodford is looking for sponsorship to help achieve her goal of competing at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Leanna Horne has risen through the British ranks in seated club throw, despite only taking up the sport last year.

She was born with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, which affects all four of her limbs and also has a curvature of the spine.

But she gained her international licence, allowing her to compete at any seated throws competition in Europe and with success in on the continent comes possible selection for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

“I began competing in seated Shot-Put back in 2002 and progressed to National level as a junior,” she said.

“I started competing as a senior in 2011 after I completed my degree. Then in 2014 I began competing in seated discus as well as in seated club throw alongside shot-put and by the end of the 2014 season I was ranked number two F31 seated female club throw athlete in the UK.”

But to realise her dream of competing with the world's best in Brazil, she needs sponsorship.

“However, in order for me to compete in Europe I need funding, and the only funding you can get prior to becoming an Elite Paralympic athlete is through sponsorship,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’m seeking sponsorship to assist my ambition to compete at as many European and UK competitions as I can during this coming season, which will help towards making my Rio 2016 Paralympic dream a reality.”

Horne, who graduated from the University of Worcester in 2011 with a degree in Drama and Performance, is hoping to attend the International Paralympic Committee’s Grand Prix events in Italy and Germany in June and July, followed by the Cerebral Palsy World Games, being held in Nottingham in August.

“I am happy to put names and logos on my kit if people are willing to sponsor me, or on my wheelchair or throwing frame,” said Leanna, who in 2004 was named Sports Woman of the Year by Disability Sport England and npower.

“Any help that people are able to offer would be amazing.”

Anyone who would like to contact Horne, call her on 01527 570078 or by email at learealpic@hotmail.com