Elaine Hunter is a local resident and table tennis player who’s aiming to enter the 2020 Paralympics. Over to you Elaine...

My name is Elaine Hunter. I was born in Tooting but grew up in Putney after living for a couple of years in Jamaica. I’ve worked for nearly 25 years in education, working in the primary school that I, my siblings, my children and two of my grandsons attended.

I have been a widow for 17 years and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in my mid teens. In the last 18 months, I have started playing table tennis again after 35 years, training at York Gardens (at Fircroft School) in Tooting and Brunswick in Fulham. I also play in the Central League and play local tournaments and Cup matches.

Initially, I went back to table tennis with the notion of starting a table tennis club in the school. I got offered coaching sessions and was then asked to play for that club. In the last few months I found out about the British Para Table Tennis (BPTT) league which, having been diagnosed with a disability, I decided to register with. I am also a registered member of Table Tennis England.

I train four days a week and enter as many tournaments around the country as possible. My ultimate aim is to enter the Paralympics 2020. I want to show that a disability and age should not be a factor and doesn't have to stop you achieving your dreams with hard work and determination.

I am seeking sponsorship in any form whether substantial, minimal, regular or a one-off. This will help me to cover travel and hotel costs, as well as entry fees, kit, equipment and maintenance/replacement costs. I would be extremely grateful for any help. I entered the recent Cardiff Grand Prix, where I made it to the semi-finals in my class group and the quarter-finals in the open singles.

Please feel free to check out and get in touch via my Instagram, which is dedicated to my journey and shows some of my training sessions as well as various matches.
 

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