What skills have you learnt or improved from participating in Badminton? It’s a great way to stay in shape and a good motivator to actually do my physio stretches. Previously I competed internationally in swimming and I’m also on the GB climbing team now, but this is the first time I’ve properly done racket sports. It’s been especially challenging learning how to move backwards but I’m really enjoying it.

How have you benefited from participating in your chosen sport? I’ve really enjoyed getting the opportunity to do a team sport and play doubles. I feel like when you have a disability you’re often limited to individual sports and I’ve really enjoyed actually doing something where you can influence your opponents directly. I’ve met some really cool people through it – last year I played doubles with Diana from Peru in a top ranking international competition and that was a lot of fun. I’ve also had the privilege of competing against some of the best players in the world including Manasi Joshi who has a barbie doll made of her. The international badminton community have all been so welcoming and encouraging.

What are your ambitions in Badminton? I’m 30 so I’m a bit old to be thinking too big but I just want to see how much I can improve and be competitive. My goal for this year is winning all three events at the UK championships in December. I haven’t won the mixed doubles event at that competition yet so winning that is my main goal. I’d also like to win an international match at some point!

Why should other people give your sport a go? Sport has played a huge part in my life and helped me to accept my disability and connect with other people who understand the struggles that come with being very visibly disabled. It’s a great way to reduce the mobility issues we face and to make friends. It hasn’t always been easy, especially integrating into non-disabled clubs but even in those situations I have met some amazing people. For example, I used to be involved in Manchester Harriers Athletics club and had a great experience there. Currently, I play badminton at No Strings at Portland Leisure Centre on Sundays and everyone there is very welcoming. The climbing community I have found are the most encouraging and welcoming.

Are there any further opportunities you like to see be made available in your sport? I think at the moment it’s a very male dominated parasport and I’d love to see more women getting involved and for there to be more of a push to facilitate that. With parabadminton only just getting into the Paralympics its still in the growing phase and I’m hoping Badminton England will learn and become more inclusive. Badminton is a great sport that is enjoyable no matter what your level of experience, and a team sport that can be adapted so people at different levels can play together which is wonderful. We have been working with Nottingham badminton and are in the process of getting a disabled team included in the league which I think will be great and spread awareness amongst the badminton community here.