The Paul Keohane Memorial Fund, set up by Thanet Wanderers Rugby Club, will make a donation to help a Paralympic hopeful from Broadstairs.
The Isle of Thanet News revealed last month how former East Kent College student James Barnes-Miller was targeted by thieves who stole all of his equipment from his van while he was training in Manchester.
On top of having to raise funds so that he can travel and compete in the run up to the Games, James now has to find more cash to replace vital kit and custom boards.
The 28-year-old is competing in Holland and then Iceland and is expected to scoop a place on the GB snowboarding team at the Winter Paralympics in Korea next year.
Former St George’s student James won two World Cup silver medals in Tahoe, California, this year and has been ranked 4th in the world in Snowboard Cross and 9th in Banked Slalom following championships in Tahoe and in Canada.
His place on the Paralympic team is almost in the bag as long as he can compete and win at the next round of races.
Donation
When the appeal for funds to replace the equipment came to the attention of the administrators of the Paul Keohane fund they were quick to react and at the Thanet Wanderers clubhouse on Saturday, November 11 a donation of £1,200 was pledged.
The Paul Keohane Memorial Fund was set up in memory of Paul who died two years ago. He attended Chatham House Grammar School and was a talented sportsman who played for Thanet Wanderers. The next Memorial Lunch will be held on March 3. 2018 at the Thanet Wanderers Clubhouse.
The 2018 Winter Paralympics will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea from 9 to 18 March 2018.
A gofundme page to help James raise money to replace his kit has so far raised £3,723. Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/pu6sq3us