Leeds based Paralympians come back as heroes!

Ali Jawad - the unluckiest paralympian I think- robbed of a silver medal when forced to lift 3 times. Each time the judges voted it a fail whilst the appeal jury accepted the lift and gave him another attempt. On the third attempt he just failed to make it and came 4th. They all looked good to me - but what do I know!

 Thanks to my friends at North Leeds Life I was able to cover the triumphant return of Leeds based Paralympians Ali Jawad, Hannah Cockroft,Claire Cashmore and David Stone MBE. As the crowds gathered outside I joined in the melee of TV, radio and press photographers to try and catch a word and a shot with them and then all too soon it was out on stage to greet their waiting fans who raised the roof.

Quite a range of medals on show and the modesty of these sporting superstars was really touching. No prima donnas, just happy to talk about the bond between the team and the tremendous excitement of the whole thing that they were now coming down from!

All the medals with the crowd and Town Hall behind the superstars! Also featuring Leeds Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Castle.

Swimmer Claire Cashmore took part in 6 events and came back with 2 silvers and a bronze.

Got to be the snazziest chair!

Who can forget Hannah Cockroft breaking world paralympic records and winning by a mile to gain gold in the 100 and 200 metre for  T34 women.

The crowd bedecked with Union Jacks

Lord Mayor Cllr Anne Castle

Hannah proudly shows her medals.

Wasn`t expecting a confetti shot!



Nor were they!

What a team. All are based and train in Leeds at world class facilities and who is to say they won`t carry off the medals in Rio! Well done to Team GB and the Paralympian team - you made us all proud in these cash strapped times!