From the age of seven, Karl Trotter had big ambitions for his future – he wanted to be a pro wrestler.

Romford Recorder: Karl, aged 19, when he still dreamed of becoming a wrestler.Karl, aged 19, when he still dreamed of becoming a wrestler. (Image: Archant)

Inspired by Roddy Piper, the now-retired Canadian fighter, Karl, from Harold Wood, learned karate, gymnastics and amateur wrestling at the Tokei Martial Arts Club, close to London Bridge.

He also trained alongside former British freestyle Olympic wrestler Douglas Thompson, with the hopes of becoming successful in the ring.

However, at the age of 12, his dreams of professional fighting took a heartbreaking hit.

In a wheelchair

The youngster was diagnosed with Facio scapulo humeral muscular dystrophy (FSH), a genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and growth, usually in the upper body and torso, though for Karl it largely affected his lower body,

Battling against his disability, he trained six hours a day, alongside sports figures Doug Williams, Justin Richards, Andre Baker and Alex Shane in pro wrestling and budo sombo submission wrestling.

But by 15, Karl began to have trouble with his balance. By 18, he was barely able to walk, and by 21 he was in a wheelchair.

He said: ”I did everything I could to ignore my disability and achieve my dream, but eventually there was nothing I could do and had to stop wrestling.

“Realising I couldn’t be a pro wrestler broke my heart.”

Karl continues to support the sport he loves, recording wheelchair wrestling matches on YouTube, gaining college merits for projects on wrestling.

He also trained friend Ross Boyce, helping him win several medals in amateur wrestling competitions even though he hasn’t been able to follow his own dreams;

“I had all but given up on having anything to do with wrestling,” Karl said.

Now he has decided to work with Help For Heroes, running a fundraising wrestling show next month with the aim of raising awareness of the charity and highlighting pro wrestling as a sport for the next generation.

Karl, who has relatives in the Army, said: “It is said British Wrestling died in the mid-80s. We we want to give it a rebirth.

“We want to give kids a reason to stay off the street and to stay healthy.”

Help For Heroes is a charity that supports veterans and serving personnel who have been wounded or injured, or have become sick, as a result of serving their country.

Karl said: “I know how frustrating it can be to lose the ability to do something you love. I’d like to raise money to support those who have suffered a similar problem.

“On a personal note, this may be my last chance at getting anywhere near my dream.”

Karl’s charity wrestling show will be on Saturday, August 24, at the Marconi Social Club, in Chelmsford, Essex, where he will be working with friends and family to raise funds for the charity.

The event will host five wrestling matches – including tag team, women’s and men’s singles – complemented with a live band. Tickets are £10 each or £30 for a family, and can be bought on the door.