Hi, I am Natalie Child and I am a Category B Wheelchair Fencer and a 2015 British National Champion  trying to quality for the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

At the 2014 British National Wheelchair Fencing Championships I was beaten in the final by one point, losing to a Category A Paralympian – someone with a lower level of disabilities than me. That was a really great result and one I’m proud of.

But this year I stepped up. I won the 2015 British National Wheelchair Fencing Championships in Women’s foil and came 2nd in the women’s Sabre making me the new British Women’s Foil Champion and the UK’s No.1 in Foil  – I’m also the UK’s No.2 in Sabre.

I have constistenly defeated more experienced wheelchair fencers in the past and last year was awarded the Most Improved Fencer of the Year award, given to the athlete with the most promise, regardless of gender or category.

I am looking to raise around £5,000 in funding to cover entry fees to the international events I need to take part in, as well as the regulation kit I need and a new fencing wheelchair – my first wheelchair fencing competition that I need funding for is in October.

Even if I do not manage to reach the qualification points for Rio 2016, competing in the competitions that this funding will allow me to will gain me invaluable experience for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games that I also hope to compete in.