A WHEELCHAIR basketball club which has been going three decades could fold because of a lack of funds.

Bolton Bulls, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is struggling to keep going in the current economic climate.

The club said it will complete this season, which only has one match left, but is appealing for financial support to be able to start the new season in September.

A series of fundraising events is now being organised to help raise some money, starting with a quiz at G Casino on April 12.

Steve Aston, chairman of the club, said: “This club is very important. It has been going for a long time, but it is getting harder to get sponsorship and fundraising.

“It is not just about the sport, it is a social thing for those involved.

“We have always struggled financially but things have come to a head this year.

“It is becoming harder to get people to give money.

“There are so many charities and organisations that are desperate for funding and the club probably comes low down on the list.”

The club plays matches at Smithills Sports Centre. It costs about £5,000 a year to run the club.

Mr Aston, aged 38, lives in Whitefield and has been playing for the club for 24 years.

He was born with spina bifida and wanted to get involved with sport as a teenager.

He said: “I was 14 and looking for a sport to play. In the mid 80s there was not that much about. My parents found out about the Bulls and I went along to a match and I have been hooked ever since.”

Despite it being a wheelchair game, Mr Aston said it is a fully inclusive sport as it is open to able bodied people. He added: “We have 11 registered players on our team, and one is able bodied.

It is not just for disabled people.“ To make a donation: visit justgiving.com/ bolton-bulls