Tom Hepburn wins Open Wheelchair Band C at national championships

This was only Hepburn’s second National Para event, being more accustomed to playing able bodied players in the Weymouth & District Table Tennis League (WDTTL) and representing Weymouth in the National Junior League.

Hepburn is now starting to make a name for himself in a highly competitive and successful British Para Table Tennis setup.

The two-day event was held for the first time since 2019 and provides up-and-coming young and inexperienced players with the opportunity to take on World, European and Commonwealth champions and Paralympic medallists for the chance to be crowned national champion.

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On day one, Hepburn was grouped in the Open Singles with elite Para athletes such as Jack Hunter-Spivey, a Paralympic bronze and Commonwealth gold medallist plus Paralympic bronze medallist Megan Shackleton.

Although there were no wins, Hepburn was very competitive in some close games and learned so much from playing such experienced and talented players.

The next day saw Hepburn on top form when winning the Open Wheelchair Band C, in which players ranked outside of the national top 25 compete against each other.

This was a fantastic achievement for Hepburn at this stage of his wheelchair experience playing table tennis.

Although disabled and fully wheelchair dependent, Hepburn has always played table tennis against able-bodied players.

Following a visit to Weymouth by Shaun Marples, pathways manager for British Para Table Tennis, and also playing against Dorset-based GB Para player Simon Heaps, Hepburn was encouraged to take part in his first competition last November in St Neots.

The experience of this competition and the advice and encouragement received from some truly inspirational players, convinced Hepburn that he wanted to try and compete more at this level.

Variety, the children’s charity, were inspired by Hepburn’s story and determination and offered to help with funding for a table tennis sports wheelchair.

Standard NHS wheelchairs are heavy, not easy to manoeuvre, and the high supportive backs get in the way. 

The Variety Trustees considered Hepburn’s application together with letters of support from Weymouth College and the WDTTL and agreed to fully fund a sports wheelchair for Hepburn at the cost of £4,000.

This makes playing much easier, improves manoeuvrability and gives Hepburn the chance to train and play at a higher level.

Variety are keen to find and fund other young people who need sports wheelchairs or other support to enable them to excel in sport.

Hepburn and his family are very grateful to the WDTTL, Shaun Marples, Simon Heaps, Da Vinci Wheelchairs and of course, the Variety charity, who have all helped him to engage effectively in table tennis at local and national level, playing against able bodied and Para players.

Engaging in sport for those who are disabled can often be difficult and some may feel it is impossible.

However, table tennis is inclusive and accessible in South Dorset and disabled players are welcome and supported.  

With the support of National Para organisations, charities such as Variety and inspirational national players, local players of all ages can fully participate and also have the chance to progress to the top of the sport.

The Weymouth & District Table Tennis League are currently running open community sessions for juniors and adults at The Wey Valley Tennis Centre every Saturday.

Wheelchair players and families are very welcome to attend and Hepburn is very happy to help and share his experience.

For more information and to book, please contact Andy Millar on [email protected]