British Paralympian set to become first disabled man to LIVE in space
A British Paralympic medalist is set to become the first disabled man to live among the stars.
John McFall - who clinched bronze at the 2008 Games in Beijing - could soon be launched into orbit to man the Haven-1 space station as part of a deal between the UK Space Agency and US-based space firm Vast.
Haven-1, looking at a launch in less than a year, is set to become the first privately-funded lab to be sent into space.
The 45-year-old sprinter became disabled after a horror motorbike accident in Thailand in 2000 forced him to have his right leg amputated.
After his medal-winning performance in China, Dr McFall retired from athletics and later took up a place at Cardiff University to study medicine.
Now an NHS surgeon, he was picked by the European Space Agency (ESA) to enroll in its Fly! Project - a scheme designed to give opportunities to those living with disabilities within the industry.
He described the agreement signed with Vast as "incredibly exciting".
Dr McFall said: "If we can make this mission happen, it won't just be a milestone for human spaceflight, it will send a powerful message about what people with disabilities are capable of, and that there should be no limit to what you can achieve - on Earth or in space."
The Paralympian is now set to become the first Britain to launch into space in over a decade - following on from Tim Peake's mission to the International Space Station in 2015/16.
Mr Peake hailed the 45-year-old as "an inspiration" to "everyone who has ever been told there are limits to what they can achieve".
He added: "This agreement is a landmark moment for inclusive human spaceflight, and I hope it brings us one step closer to seeing John in space.
"Space has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible, and John's mission would do exactly that."
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Meanwhile, Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: "John McFall's story is one of extraordinary determination - as a Paralympian, a surgeon, and a pioneering astronaut.
"This agreement with Vast brings us one step closer to making history, and to showing the world that space is for everyone.
"The UK is committed to being at the forefront of inclusive human spaceflight.
"This builds on the ground-breaking work John has already done and opens the door to a genuine flight opportunity. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together."
Dr McFall was selected to the ESA scheme after beating 257 disabled applicants to secure a spot.
Prior to his devastating accident, he dreamed of serving in the Armed Forces.
He taught himself to run again while studying Exercise Science at Swansea University, where he was introduced to carbon-fibre running "blades".
Alongside his medal in Beijing, Mr McFall also clinched gold in the 100m and 200m at the IWAS World Wheelchair and Amputee Games in 2007 and won the 200m Paralympic World Cup in the same year.
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