Cannock store helps Paralympic athlete to Games

A supermarket in Cannock has raised cash to help a Paralympic athlete get to the Rio Games in four years' time.

Shot putter Martin Crutchley, aged 29, has been helped by the local Sainsbury's store, which has seen more than £130 in donations. People handed over money in exchange for a photo with Mr Crutchley's Paralympic torch. Kate Middleton look-a-like Heidi Garbett was also there, along with organiser Graham Hughes.

The total of £134 will be split between Martin's training fees, Logan's Hearing Dogs for the Blind and the national deaf women's football squad.

Mr Hughes said: "Martin came fifth in the Beijing Paralympics, and was hoping to be a medal contender in London. But it was not to be as circumstances conspired against him as, he is self-funded."

Mr Crutchley, who works for Cannock-based charity Newlife, has dyspraxia which impacts co-ordination and cerebral palsy.