A disabled ex-serviceman who turned his life around in time for his 60th birthday has now set his sights on the Paralympic Games.

Eastern Daily Press: Colin Allison, 60, a disabled ex-serviceman who is hoping to reach the Paralympics in pistol shooting. Picture: ANTONY KELLYColin Allison, 60, a disabled ex-serviceman who is hoping to reach the Paralympics in pistol shooting. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Former RAF assistant air traffic controller Colin Allison is aiming to represent his country in air pistol shooting at the next tournament in 2020.

The 60-year-old, from Swardeston, suffers from arthritis in his knees and has issues with balance following the removal of a brain tumour eight years ago.

But he has been inspired to overcome his impairments after losing a significant amount of weight as part of a diet plan over the past 12 months.

The father-of-one said: 'I have always been unhappy with my weight, and losing it was the trigger that made me want to do something more with my life.

'Having had a brain tumour it has also brought into my mind how finite our lives are, and I have always felt I might die without achieving anything.'

Mr Allison, who left the RAF after seven years following a sports injury, decided to take up air pistol shooting after watching this year's Paralympics.

Having heard that some athletes had only trained for two years before entering, he believes he is of the right calibre to make it onto the national stage.

The photographer, who requires crutches to get around, has been training regularly on the 10m ranges at the South Norfolk Air Rifle and Pistol Club in Attleborough since October.

But he is now seeking an area of land closer to home where he can practise every day in between his training sessions.

Mr Allison, who is on benefits, says he will also struggle to pay for travel and competitions in the future.

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