Switching disciplines is tough for any sportsperson but Tregaron para-cyclist Dan Butler is confident he can find success after making the move from road and track to BMX.

Butler, who has represented Wales and the GB Paralympic Development squad, suffered a serious BMX accident when he was 13 that eventually resulted in his hip joint being removed.

After spending three years in hospital, he was able to get back on a road bike in May 2013 and now feels strong enough to return to BMXing.

And while such a serious accident might put some people off, the 19-year-old claims he is ecstatic to be back competing in the sport he loves.

“It feels brilliant it’s like my life complete again; I’m back where I want to be, enjoying my sport and enjoying life again,” said Butler.

“I have just been training day in and day out to get ready for next year’s downhill season and try and get some competition on the BMX as well."

“Obviously, when I was 13 I had an accident on a BMX which ended up with my hip needing to be removed."

“But I’ve always loved BMX and after the road and track racing I felt strong enough to come back to it BMX.

“My ambition for the next 12 months is just to get up to strength and get a lot more tricks down ready for next year’s competition season."

“Next year I will have Boardmasters, which is a skating, surfing and BMX festival. It does help you earn money as well – if you win you get quite good payouts and its good fun going to a festival and riding with all your friends.”

Butler receives funding and mentoring as part of the SSE Next Generation scheme and recently attended the SSE Roadshow in Cardiff to update employees on his cycling progress.

And the Ceredigion native admits the scheme has provided invaluable help as he continues his rise in the sport.

“It has helped me a lot, build my athlete profile, helped me achieve my goals, made me more motivated to get out there and do something instead of having days sat around,” added Butler.

“It has made me want to achieve and helped me afford my bikes, travel, competition costs and things like that."

“I was at the Cardiff SSE Roadshow talking about my sport. Everyone has really enjoyed it and given good feedback."

“The employees really enjoyed it especially because it’s a guy with one hip doing tricks on a BMX!”

SSE's Next Generation programme partners with SportsAid to provide financial support and training to the sports stars of the future. Keep up to date with the latest @SSENextGen.