Inspirational ex-footballer Shaun Whiter who lost both legs reveals Paralympic dreams
A FORMER footballer who had both of his legs amputated after a catastrophic hit-and-run accident has spoken about his desire to become a Paralympic athlete.
Hit and run victim Shaun Whiter's Paralympic ambition
Shaun Whiter, who played for Newmarket Town, appeared on today’s Good Morning Britain with his fiancée Charlotte Way to talk about his recovery and his hopes for the future.
Speaking to presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, the 27-year-old said he wanted to become an Paralympian: “One day get into the Paralympics [...] if I can get involved in any sport, running, swimming, cycling, whatever I can do.”
He said that after his accident in July, he received some words of wisdom that helped to spur him on: “The best way that someone put it to me was that I was joining a club. A very select club that only has a few members.”
The sportsman went on to say: “I’m obviously gutted about what’s happened but on the positive side I have friends and family rallying around.
"I can’t thank anybody enough, the NHS, the air ambulance. How they dealt with me.”
Shaun and fellow footballer Joey Abbs were involved in the hit-and-run in July after speeding driver Jan Adamec collided with them in his Ford Focus as they attempted to fix a flat tyre by the roadside.
One day get into the Paralympics [...] if I can get involved in any sport, running, swimming, cycling, whatever I can do
The motorist fled the scene but was later arrested and jailed for 40 months following a trial.
Shaun lost four pints of blood and both of his legs in the accident, while Joey also suffered injuries.
Reflecting on the accident, Shaun said: “I was fully conscious when Joey made the call," while his fiancee Charlotte went on to say: “I knew he was going to lose his legs.”
After she got the call on the night of the accident, Charlotte arrived on the scene before the ambulance and held Shaun as they waited for the medical services to come.
As the couple waited, Shaun told her that he still wanted them to get married, to which she replied: “You try and stop me. It wouldn’t change anything.”
Shaun revealed: "We're still getting married and I've still got to walk down the aisle."
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV weekdays at 6am.