This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014at 10:55 am by zoe.leahy@activenation.org.uk

Tom’s Mission To Reach The Pyeongchang Winter Paralympics In 2018

Tom Murley is a 18-year-old man on a mission to reach the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang in 2018. Despite suffering from Cerebral Palsy Tom has always loved skiing – even after he was told he’d never walk again following surgery, he not only found a way to return to the slopes – but he is now training with the British Disabled Ski Team and is following his dream.

Tom, a regular at Active Nation’s Alpine Snowsports Centre in Southampton, says the freedom he feels when skiing cannot be beaten and is something he simply can’t live without.

He said: “I started skiing being tethered in a bi-ski when I was 7. When I was 10, I learned how to ski standing up with outriggers on my arms. After much practice I was able to ski without outriggers and even managed to compete in a friendly race at the Alpine Snowsports Centre, Southampton.

“Skiing was not just my passion, but my family’s as well. We all learned to ski together and went skiing every week in Southampton.”

Following an operation 5 years ago Tom was off school for 8 months and was told he would never walk again.

Tom added: “After many months of physio, I can now walk a few steps on a good day. However my legs are too weak to ski any more. This was very upsetting for me because skiing was a real escape for me, as I was unable to keep up with my friends during day to day life, but on skis I was just as fast and as free as them.

“I tried to move on with my life and started playing wheelchair basketball. As much fun as basketball is, I always felt like there was a massive hole in my life; as skiing gives me the freedom and thrill that a wheelchair can’t give me.

“That’s why I decided that I would start learning to ski in a sit-ski with Solent Ski Club for the Disabled.”

Earlier this year, Tom was invited to a talent day and was spotted by the British Disabled Ski Team coaches and is now an invitational member of the squad. He has just returned from a training camp in Austria – only possible because he was able to borrow some equipment from Paralympian Tim Farr, including the sit-ski he used to race in the 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Tom added: “This is very exciting for me, but my family and I are unable to afford the basic essentials that will allow me to continue along this path. It is necessary for me to have my own equipment to participate in training and racing.”

A racing monoski costs around £4,500, outriggers £400, slalom skis £650, GS skis £700, ski bindings £260, tools £300, slalom protection £250, race gloves £170 – and this is without the travel costs, training expenses, racing licence fees – the list is endless.

Tom is hoping to attend another training camp in November, so that he can get classified and get his racing licence for the coming season and compete internationally. He has already trained with Caroline Powell – the guide who helped Active Nation’s Rising Star Jade Etherington to win 4 medals at the Winter Paralympics in Sochi earlier this year.

Tom added: “Working with Caroline has been a real inspiration for me and I cannot wait to train with the British Disabled Ski Team.”

Active Nation’s Keith Diaper has known Tom for many years and could see from the start his determination and ability. He said: “Tom is one of life’s genuine young men, always smiling. I met Tom at his first session with Solent Ski Club for the Disabled.

“Now that Tom has switched back to sit-skiing he is even more focused, if that were possible, and has again become self sufficient. With the continued support of his mum Ruth and family I am sure he can achieve his goal.”

If you think you can help Tom to reach Pyeongchang, please email him on tom.ski@hotmail.co.uk With his talent, spirit and determination we’re sure that he can do it!