A Basildon man is looking to take Asia by storm by competing in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

Joe Brazier, 21, of Broomfields, Basildon, suffers from Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

He is currently ranked fourth in all four race distances for wheelchair racing inside of the UK. However, he needs to purchase a new wheelchair in order to beat the top ten racers in the world.

His grandmother, Linda Cook, of Canvey, said: “He has been told by United Kingdom Athletics that he could benefit from a new racing chair frame costing £2,000.”

Joe trains twice a week with coach Richard Chiassaro, who’s the number one GB wheelchair racer.

Alison Brazier, 37, Joe’s mother explained: “All of his equipment and fees for entering races comes to more than £5,000 a year.

“He’s been to Switzerland in the past as they have the best conditioned tracks for setting personal bests, but another trip would add at least £3,000 to his yearly bill.”

He has previously been granted £5,000 from SportsAid’s Backing the Best campaign, but that was only a one time opportunity and so he needs help to achieve his Paralympic dream.

He has already been chosen for the British Athletics Talent Development for their 2017/18 squad.

To help towards the funding shortfall, Ms Brazier’s brother, Clinton Cook, 40, of Basildon, took part in a sponsored hair and beard shaving.

He raised £500 and the family thanked partner’s barbers in Basildon for their donation and doing the shave.

To sponsor him, email Richard.chiassaro@ntlworld.com