A PHYSIOTHERAPIST is to represent Great Britain at the open European basketball championships, a worldwide competition.

Paul, who owns Hexham's Hobrough-Healthcare a private sports medicine practice, will be in the 50-55 age category team.

This is his second opportunity to represent his country after being an international athlete for 16 years from the age of fifteen in the national Kayaking team, and since then, he has found basketball.

"I stopped competing and slowed down when I got married and had children, so I am thrilled as I didn't think I would get this chance again.

"Especially as my left knee has a major injury. 

"A physiotherapist in Gateshead showed me an expensive £300 knee brace that eased my pain which so far has prevented surgery and allowed me to get back into the sport that I love in a local team," Paul said. 

Paul recalls how the opportunity to represent GB again came about.

He explained: "My sons are really into basketball, so I was taking them to a basketball try-out, and the coach came over and asked if I could get involved and help with the team.

"The coach then told me about a basketball club called the ‘Bald Eagles’ who are an over 35’s group of players.

"So I went along to see what it was like and I have never looked back.

"They were very supportive and kind to me - especially as I hadn’t played in over 18 years”

"This year the Bald Eagles coach suggested I should try out for the Great Britain team. It was his faith in me that inspired me to have a go and see what happens. It was an opportunity too good to miss.

"So I tried out in Nottingham and a few weeks later, I got the phone call telling me that I had made the team.

"There was some doubt, as I had a family and my business to think of but my kids and wife were so supportive - I felt confident enough to accept the place.

"You don't often get this chance and can't wait for fate to open the doors for you. You have to take every opportunity.

"It is not often that you get to represent your country twice.

"I just want to be a role model to my kids and make them proud.

"I think I am proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. If I can do it, so can you," he said.