A car crash in 2006, which killed one of his friends, ended Heselton's (pictured below) hopes of a professional football career, and left him in a life threatening coma.

He had previously enjoyed a promising stint in the Queen's Park Rangers youth team, where he scored 27 goals at under-17 and 19 level.

Heselton, who lists the FIFA World Cup's record goalscorer Ronaldo as his hero, also spent time on loan with Oldham Athletic and played for Wingate and Finchley.

Four years after the accident, he was contacted by the Football Association about the prospect of playing disability football.

He scored on his debut for the cerebral palsy team in June 2011, and will now head to London this summer with the seven-a-side team, who hope to win gold.

His swift recovery was assisted by the Jaguar Academy of Sport, where Manchester United and England international defender Ferdinand is a mentor.

With their help, Heselton has been picked to play alongside Martin Sinclair, brother of Swansea forward Scott, for Team GB at the Paralympics this summer.


"I was in a coma and woke up three months later to be told what had happened," he told the Daily Mail.

"The doctors didn't know if I'd survive, let alone walk or play football again.

"I had severe head trauma and brain scarring but, when it all sank in, I was determined I'd live the best life I could, if not play again.

"I was told that they could not guarantee that one header would not kill me, or leave me eating through a straw for the rest of my life.

"At one stage I thought I'd never kick a ball again...now I'm looking forward to giving it my best to win a medal."

Jeff Davis, the FA's performance manager, describes him as "a player with great skill".

Heselton will have the chance to achieve his dream of Paralympic gold at the Riverbank Arena on the Olympic Park, with the tournament running from September 1 to 9.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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