A MAN who suffered serious spinal injuries falling from a ladder has been going for gold at a national sporting competition this week.

Paul Macadory, aged 33, from Bromyard, has to use a wheelchair since his accident in January 2011.

He has since been receiving support from Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff, and was thrilled to be named part of the Rookwood Rookies team to compete in the UK Spinal Injuries Unit Games at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.

The annual games are aimed at promoting sport for wheelchair users and disabled individuals from spinal injury units. Over the five-day event Mr Macadory and his team have been competing against 13 other squads at a variety of sports including wheelchair rugby, fencing, archery and power lifting.

“It was difficult being told that I had to be in a wheelchair, but with the support from staff at Rookwood Hospital I’ve become determined to make the most of it,” said Mr Macadory.

“The Spinal Injury Games is such a big event to compete in. I hope to win some gold medals and to put the hospital which has helped me so much on the map.”

Rob Thomas, of NewLaw Solicitors, which is sponsoring the team, said: “The games provide those suffering from spinal injuries with an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and to strengthen their abilities in the sporting arena.”