A DISABLED footballer is today looking for someone to sponsor his false leg.With his passion for the game and his sheer determination to succeed, footballer Sam Nunn is an inspiration to sportsmen and women.

A DISABLED footballer is today looking for someone to sponsor his false leg.

With his passion for the game and his sheer determination to succeed, footballer Sam Nunn is an inspiration to sportsmen and women.

Mr Nunn, of Shotley Road, Chelmondiston, was born with shortened legs and arms, but this has never stopped him participating in the sport he loves.

"I was born into football," he said. "My whole family love it and I have been into it since I was tiny."

The 20-year-old wears a prosthetic leg, which needs to be replaced after a period as it suffers from wear and tear.

As a player for the Ipswich Town Disabled Football Club, which is in desperate need of funding, he decided to use his situation to his advantage.

Mr Nunn is now searching for a sponsor to be displayed on his new leg, to help raise funds for the club.

"I have to get a new leg soon," he said. "And I would like to find a corporate sponsor for it."

Simon Keymer is manager of disablement services at Addenbroke's hospital in Cambridge: "We can do anything like that," he said. "We do photos, different colours, anything really. We've never actually had a sponsorship before, but that would not be a problem."

He added: "Anything that draws attention to the fact that artificial limbs are part of everyday life is a good thing."

Mr Nunn joined Somersham Utd at the age of 13, where he played for three years.

He later acted as the secretary of Shotley Rangers FC and has also done refereeing work, but his passion for playing the game never abated.

"I was refereeing for while but it was frustrating as I was the only person on the pitch who was not allowed to kick the ball," he said. "While I was in hospital I saw an advert for Wimbledon Disabled Football Club and I joined them."

After a season with Wimbledon, Mr Nunn then moved to Southend, but the travelling became too much and he took a rest from the game.

Unfortunately, Mr Nunn's brother James was later injured in a motorbike accident. During visits to his brother's bedside, James' determination to recover from his injuries inspired Mr Nunn to return to the sport.

His current team manager Dave Mullet said: "He found new energy for life and decided once again to pull his boots on."

He discovered that Ipswich had its own disabled football club and decided to join.

"He came along and liked what he saw, said Mr Mullett. "He signed on the dotted line and after playing Brighton and scoring against Chelsea, Sam is now a valued member of the team. He is not only a committed player but a true club man - he is out there chasing sponsorship and arranging games."

Mr Nunn remains hopeful that a sponsor will come forward and looks forward to the recognition this could give the club.

"The team needed the money and I thought 'why not?' We need funds desperately. It would help towards kit, training and equipment – it would benefit the whole team."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Sam's leg should contact Mr Mullett on 07850 779770 or 01473 683471.

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