WHEELCHAIR bound wonderman Ray Gainer is reaching for the sky - with plans to become the first disabled pilot to fly solo round the world.

Spina bifida and the loss of his left leg have so far failed to stop Ray Gainer, 35, living life to the full.

But now Leigh-born Ray desperately needs a Good Samaritan to achieve his ultimate dream.

Ray - twice Great Britain disabled singles tennis champion and the subject of Michael Aspel's "This Is Your Life" show last year - must raise at least £10,000 for a bionic leg which will enable him to control a plane.

He said: "It's a case of being so near, yet so far. I became the first person with spina bifida to gain a private pilot's licence and many people said I would not do it.

"Now I want to break down new barriers and show other disabled people just what they can achieve with motivation."

Professor Tom Krousopp has already started work on Ray's special leg in a laboratory in Houston, Texas.

Ray went for tests last year, but cannot cover the costs of further research and trips to the States. The bionic limb would enable Ray's brain to send signals to electrodes in the leg.

They would then be able him to move the artificial foot to control braking systems on passenger jets and other aeroplanes.

Ray, who now lives in Crosby, Liverpool, lost his limb three years ago after a series of medical problems.

His 15 years flying experience has included time training at NASA's Ellington air base - next to the Space Shuttle headquarters.

The tennis champion has also raised thousands of pounds for many charities through sponsored wheelchair runs.

Ray - with close friend and fellow wheelchair athlete Mike Pyke, from Tyldesley - completed 516 miles in 18 days to travel from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower.

Anyone wishing to help Ray can contact him on 0850 478156.

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