National Paralympic Day 2015

I was very lucky to win tickets to the National Paralympic Day 2015 last Sunday at the Aquatic Centre and Queen Elizabeth Stadium in London - thank you Channel 4 :)

We didn't have to opportunity to be at the stadium for the Olympics in 2012 and our daughter's friend, Rhys Jones, was running in the T37 race so it was a pleasure to be able to go. We drove to Luton and used Thameslink and London Overground to get to Stratford - one of the nicest rail journey we've ever made around the capital.

The swimmers and athletes were amazing - as was the support from the crowd. It is impossible to pick out favourite races or highlights as every race had some excitment. Before I share a few photos of the day I have a little plea:

Paige Murray is one of the wheelchair racers - Sunday was her first race representing Team GB and Paige is hoping to race for her country again. However she needs a new racing chair and has set up 'Race to 4K'.

Paige says  " My current racing chair (Violet) is no longer suitable because my body shape has changed as a result of all the training I’ve been doing. The chair it is extremely restricting, limiting power through the rims and bruising my arms. For the time being until I secure funding for a new chair I am using a borrowed chair (Twiggy). The new chair will support me to continue my progression."

Please could you share Paige's Website on Twitter, Facebook, by email, in fact any way you can - and if you can make a donation it will help Paige get nearer her goal and new racing chair - thank you :)

http://www.paigemurray.co.uk/

Paige Murray

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium 

Ewan Thomas checking his notes
before the competition starts

My Mummy (Georgina Hermitage)smashed her world record
Women's 400m T37

Richard Whitehead - first past the post - amazing race
Men's 200m T42 

Libby Clegg and her guide Joe McDonnell took Gold
200m T12

Our loudest cheers for Rhys Jones 

Rhys passes the line with his first official under 12 seconds
Men's 100m T37

I just loved these mini Sainsbury's vans
remote control discus collectors 

Aquatic Centre

Amazing swimmers in all the races

We had an amazing day 

Thanks again to Channel 4 for our tickets - thanks to Sainsbury's for sponsoring the Games - and a HUGE thank you to all the officials, volunteers, swimmers and athletes who made it such an amazing event to watch - I hope you all enjoyed it too !!