WHEN Sharon Holding joined disabled group Castle Knights, the Bury-based grandma thought her days of sporting achievements were behind her.

The mum-of-two was a keen golfer before contracting wasting disease ataxia aged 30 and has been wheelchair bound ever since.

Yet since joining the voluntary society three years ago, the 46-year-old has re-found her competitive edge.

Sharon last month (September) added two more gold medals to her haul as part of a 16-strong team from Castle Knights competing at an annual regional event in St Helens, organised by the Rotary Club.

She was crowned indoor short mat bowls champion for the third straight year and also picked up the top prize in pistol shooting after scoring 49 out of 50.

“Before I joined the club I didn’t think that anything like this would have ever been possible,” said Sharon, who lives in Bury.

“I used to play in golf competitions against a group of friends and I won that quite a lot, but had not played any kind of sport since my illness.

“I had definitely never played bowls before being convinced to try out the club, but I just really took to it.

“That competitive spark is now back for good. My motto is I’m in it to win it.”

Sharon’s favoured discipline, short mat bowls, is just one of the sports on offer at Castle Knights, which is held at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury town centre every Thursday, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Other activities include boccia, table tennis, pool, darts and basketball, as well as table games such as dominoes.

“Before I joined the club my attitude was that I couldn’t do or achieve anything in a wheelchair, and I know a lot of other people in my position feel the same way,” said Sharon.

“But once I started to try out the sports and compete, I began to realise just what i was capable of.

“For most people, the club offers them a chance to get out and meet different people in a social setting, but it can also open doors in other ways you never imagined.

“My advice to anyone who is interested is to just come down and check it out.”

Castle Knights, which costs £1 per session, is open to anyone aged 18 or over who has a disability of any kind.

As well as new members, the club is also looking for volunteer helpers.

To find out more, email sharon68holding@gmail.com