Lucy Shuker inspires a generation at Blackbrook Pavillion (From Somerset County Gazette)

Lucy Shuker inspires a generation at Blackbrook Pavillion

2:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Taunton By Daniel Milligan

Paralympic bronze medallist Lucy Shuker helped inspire the next generation at Blackbrook Pavilion in Taunton this week.

Lucy, 32, from Ash Priors, had her first training session after winning her wheelchair tennis doubles medal at the London Games.

Lucy, who was joined by young children taking part in a multi-sports group, said it was great to see people of all ages getting involved in sport.

She said: “I love seeing the kids at Blackbrook and it is nice that they are getting involved. It was an amazing experience to see how the British public supported the Paralympics and it has set a new level of expectation. It is going to help break down the barriers, the perception and the stigma that people may have towards disabled people.”

Lucy went to the sports centre in 2003 because of its wheelchair tennis group after being involved in a motorbike accident in 2001 that left her paralysed from the chest down.

Her fitness coach James Quirk said: “We have huge numbers of all ages getting involved and it is great to see. It also helps to have people like Lucy here training because if you can’t get inspired by her then when can you get inspired?”

Lucy jets off to the United States later this week to take part in two competitions and will return to the area around the middle of October.

Anyone who wants to get involved at the centre should call 01823-333435.