Winter Paralympics hopeful has snowboarding equipment worth Â£10,000 stolen

Paralympic hopeful James Barnes-Miller has had equipment stolen from outside his house.

James Barnes-Miller had only just returned home from a five-week training course when he was targeted by thieves, who stole sporting equipment worth around £10,000 from a van parked outside his Heysbank Road home.

The 28-year-old, who was born without a right hand, said: “I’m absolutely gutted. Everything in the van has gone. Stuff that was made to specially fit me has gone, and now I’m going to the snowboarding World Cup and need to borrow equipment.” James, who only started snowboarding seven years ago, has already represented the UK in international championships, but has his sights set on flying the flag for GB at the Winter Paralympics in South Korea in March.

He said: “This will be the first time GB is competing in the sport, so it will be a real honour to represent my county. It’s just a shame that after months of training someone has stolen things belonging to me and my team, and pushed back our training.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “Between 11.30pm on Saturday October 28 and 10am on Sunday October 29, the rear window of a VW Caddy was popped open and specialist and custom-made equipment was taken, including team jackets and boards.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101.

James has set-up a gofundme page to raise money to help him realise his winter paralympics dream. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/pu6sq3us.