A VISUALLY impaired bowler from the Forest is hoping to raise enough money to head down under next year to represent England at a prestigious international tournament.

Paul Davis, who lives in Cinderford, has been selected to represent his country at the International Blind Bowls Association (IBBA) World Championships in Australia next March.

Paul is registered as visually impaired and generally uses a white stick to get around day-to-day, but still manages to play the “very skilled” sport of lawn bowls at a high level, says fellow club member Steve Rossiter.

A former builder and rugby player, he was left with a severe visual impairment following surgery for a brain tumour 32 years ago.

After trying his hand at visually impaired bowls for the first time, he discovered he had a real talent for it and has achieved excellent success within the sport in the years since, having represented England in tournaments for some 18 years.

He was awarded runner up in the B3 Mens category at the Visually Impaired Bowls England National Championships in 2009, and represented England in the UK Outdoor VI singles, played on the Commonwealth Games green in Glasgow, in 2014.

He also played for England in Israel in 2016 and was picked to play again in South Africa, but sadly didn’t have the sponsorship to cover his expenses.

He was also the first visually-impaired player in the South West to win and become club champion for a sighted team, and was named ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ for the Forest of Dean at the Pride of the Forest Awards in 2016.

The IBBA World Championships are held every four years but were postponed in 2021 due to the pandemic.

The competition is set to take place at Tweed Heads Bowls Club on the Gold Coast, Queensland, in March 2023.

Having been selected for England once again for next year’s championships, Paul has used £1,700 of his personal savings to fund his flight to Australia.

Now, he is looking to raise a further £1,000 to cover his accommodation costs.

Chairman of Cinderford Bowling Club, Mel Preston, said of Paul’s selection: “It’s a wonderful thing that he has done, it’s a massive achievement.

“Everyone at the club is really proud of Paul and will be supporting him as he heads to Australia next year.

“We wish him every success and hope he stays with the club in the future!”