Illias Zghoundi is crowdfunding for a new specialist racing wheelchair as he chases his dream of one day representing Team GB at the Paralympics

SPEEDSTER Illias Zghoundi couldn’t wipe the broad smile off his face this week after hearing the exciting news that he has been selected to represent his country by England Athletics for the first time.

For the teenager it marks the next step in a career that continues to go from strength to strength.

But the potential future Paralympian is now pleading for support away from the track in the hope of funding a new specialised racing wheelchair that will “knock vital seconds” off his best times.

In order to fulfil his dream of one day representing Team GB at the Paralympics Illias turned to crowdfunding platform GoFundMe in a bid to raise £20,000. But after three months of trying to get his message out there he has only managed to raise a little over £1,000 towards his target.

While grateful for every penny pledged so far, the 17-year-old is still hoping that the generosity of well-wishers will help him in his ongoing quest to go for gold.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated so far, it really means a lot,” said Illias, who lives in West Hampstead. “I think maybe some people want to help, but when they see the amount that I’m trying to raise they maybe get put off – they think that their donation isn’t really going to be enough to help. But every donation, no matter how small, will really make a difference.

“Any and all help is really appreciated. If you can’t afford to donate, then sharing my story with friends and family, and on your social media channels, would also really help.”

Illias, who is currently studying A-levels in maths, physics and economics at Maria Fidelis Sixth Form in Somers Town, competes in the T54 category, which is for athletes with paraplegia but who have normal hand and arm function and normal or limited trunk function.

He has won countless medals, trophies and titles across all distances, covering the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m. Earlier this year he made a victorious debut at an even greater distance, winning the Brighton half-marathon at the first time of asking.

His CV also includes impressive victories even closer to home. The former Highgate Harrier has dominated the streets of Westminster year after year, winning the Mini London Marathon four years in a row.

Explaining the difference a lighter wheelchair with better rigidity would make, Illias said: “The chair I have now is heavier, so as I pick up more speed and power it’s harder to control.

“A new chair will allow me to go from competing at an intermediate level to an elite level. I could literally take three or four seconds off my time in the 400m, and maybe even six or seven seconds off my 800m. The difference would be massive.”

Illias is doing everything that he can to improve on his times and technique. He has just returned from a special camp in Nottwil, Switzerland, where he got to train with one of his heroes, Swiss Paralympic superstar Marcel “The Silver Bullet” Hug.

In fact, that’s where he was when he got the news that England Athletics had invited him to take part in the Manchester International later this month.

“I was busy training so I didn’t even know until my mum told me,” recalled Illias. “It’s great, I’m really, really happy. Now I just want to focus on my training and get the best results possible.”

• To support Illias with his goal of getting a new racing wheelchair visit www.gofundme.com and search Illias Zghoundi.