NEWS COPY – WITH PICTURES – by Tom Bevan
Wallace and Gromit have come to the rescue of a budding Olympian – to help him conquer his fear of flying.
Kayaker Steven Dodd, 39, is set to compete at the Special Olympics in LA this summer but is terrified of getting on a plane.
Steven, who has autism, has been told by his doctor that creating a photo album of his personalised T-shirt in different places around the world might help overcome his fear.
He had enlisted an ‘army’ of pen pals across the globe and also signed up Boycie from Only Fools and Horses and entertainers Bobby Davro and Chico.
And the latest stars to join Team Dodd are Wallace and Gromit from Bristol-based Aardman.
Steven had written to the company explaining his problem and saying how much he would value their support.
He was delighted when they wrote back with mocked-up snaps of the gang wearing his ‘Team GB – support Steven Dodd’ T-shirt.
Steven, of Plymouth, Devon said: “I was really excited when they sent me the pictures back.
“I’m really scared of flying so my doctor suggested that I build a photo album of my T-shirts in different places all over the world.
“I’ve sent six T-shirts to NASA and some to The Simpsons and Doc from Storage Wars Texas.
“This album and getting support and funny pictures will help me get on the plane. If I’m less stressed, I’m more likely to bring a gold medal back.”
Steven has already won four gold, four silver and two bronze medals in kayaking at national competitions.
He also took bronze in swimming at the Special Olympics Great Britain in Bath in April 2013.
He now hopes to add to his tally at the Special Olympics World Summer Games that open in July.
Around 7,000 athletes from around the world with intellectual disabilities will compete in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football and other sports.
ENDS
