McCartney urges Paralympics funding

12:06am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Sir Paul McCartney is urging people to donate funds to support Paralympic athletes.

The ex-Beatle is appearing in a TV advertising campaign this month to raise £2 million.

Cash from the appeal will be used to send athletes to the Paralympic Games in Beijing and for the future of disability sport.

The campaign is organised by ParalympicsGB, which spends money on athletes' training, travel and medical support.

Sir Paul, 66, said: "I met leading Paralympic dressage rider Sophie Christiansen and was completely blown away by her skill, dedication and the fact that she had won a gold medal for Britain, so I felt I had to do something.

"My suggestion was simple. Why not create an ad that would highlight the work of ParalympicsGB and call on the British public to donate much needed money."