Mel dreams of a paralympic gold

A Gloucestershire woman has told Heart nothing is going to stop her making it to next year's Paralympics.

Mel Nicholls from Bishop's Cleeve is determined to make it to the top, despite suffering three strokes.

The third and more serious stroke when she was 30 resulting from a blood clot on her brain left Mel disabled.

She lost the use of her left leg and some of her left arm, leaving her with severe co-ordination and balance problems and walking unaided is impossible.

Mel told Heart more about what happened:

Listen to Mel

Mel has refused to let her bad experiences get the better of her and is determined to make the most of her life.

In 2009, after gaining success in her first year in competing in para equestrianism, Mel tried wheelchair racing and was hooked.

She now hopes people will join her dream of being part of the Paralympics by helping towards her fundraising target of £3,500 for a customised racing chair and other equipment.

To sponsor Melissa or donate to her efforts, please contact her on mel.nicholls@hotmail.co.uk