Paralympic table tennis bronze medallist Aaron McKibbin is starting his assault on Rio 2016, and he is looking for a helping hand to boost him to golden glory.

Wandsworth-born McKibbin won team bronze at London 2012 in the class six to eight category.

Last season, which has just ended, the 23-year-old won men’s team silver at the Slovakia Open, the Slovenia Open and the Italian Open.

The new season starts in March, and this time round it is vitally important as qualification for Rio 2016 hangs in the balance.

McKibbin, who was named Wandsworth sports personality of the year in 2012, is looking to start the season on fire, and will compete in domestic competitions between now and March to make sure he is at the peak of his powers with the paddle.

However, to give himself the best possible chance, the 2013 Slovenia Open gold medal winner needs financial sponsorship.

“I have funding from UK Sport, which covers my training and accommodation in Sheffield as well as entry fees for international tournaments next season,” he said.

"I also get sponsorship from James Pendleton in Wandsworth - it's fantastic local companies like this that have helped me realise my dreams to this point.

“But next season is qualification year for Rio 2016 and massively important.

“I need to play a lot more domestic competitions and have a lot more match practice because it is key I go into the first international in March at the top of my game.”

He added: “Being qualification season means everybody is fighting for the spots to get into Rio, it’s dog eat dog out there.

“I have at least three competitions coming up before January, which cost between £200 and £400 each.

“I need to play these. There is no getting away from it, I will be hampering my own chances if I do not play.”

The UK Sport funding covers entry to up to three or four international events, but McKibbin is desperate to play more.

He said: “We’ve not had reviews on how many international competitions we’re going to get, so I may have to self-fund some of those.

“I need around £3,000 to cover the season, as I’d like to train abroad again at an international camp to get more experience playing different players.

“The players we have here are very good, but it is important to train against different styles and not become stale, you have to keep pushing the level.”

If you want to offer sponsorship to McKibbin on his quest, email tim.ashton @london.newsquest.co.uk.