Pigeon racing community helps paralysed man from Tallington near Stamford by donating proceeds from the British Homing World Show
Pigeon racing is helping a man to focus on his future after a devastating accident left him paralysed.
As a teenager the birds were just a hobby for Daniel Parker but now the racing community has become a significant part of his recovery as he adjusts to life in a wheelchair.
The 23-year-old was paralysed from the waist down in March after he fell head first from a motocross bike and damaged three vertebrae.
Doctors confirmed he will never walk again.
He said: “After the accident everyone was telling me I would walk again, but in my heart I knew that would never happen.
"When the doctors confirmed it, it was hard to hear. It’s frustrating not being able to do what you want to do.”
Daniel, of Barholm Road, Tallington, had to give up work as a roofer and can't access the pigeon loft he built as a teenager to continue his hobby.
Proceeds raised from this year’s British Homing World Show, an annual event held in Blackpool, will help pay for a purpose-built loft with improved access and an automated nest cleaning box.
Daniel said: “My accident was life changing but I'm determined to live life to the fullest and continue pigeon racing. It is a brilliant sport that is truly inclusive of everyone."
Daniel has 60 birds which his parents Tom and Kay raced while he was in hospital, clocking up three wins.
He is part of Stamford District Pigeon Club and enters national races with a federation of local clubs.
The national events attract up to 6,000 competitors with prizes of around £1,000.
Daniel came third in his first ever race as a teenager and has won prizes locally.
He has also lost birds, including eight going missing in one race.
