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MEL SIGHTS SET ON LONDON 2012
Sports fanatic Mel, whose life was turned upside down when she suffered a series of severe strokes, is determined to represent Team GB in the wheelchair racing next year. Sponsorship and funding, including £1,000 from Cheltenham athletic Karen Gilpen in the London Marathon, have already raised money for Melissa’s specially designed racing wheelchair. But Ann Blagden says much more is still needed to enable Melissa to train and compete at the highest level so she can reach the Olympic standard. “We’re planning a number of fundraising events over the coming months, starting with the Bollywood bellydancing in Beechwood,” said Ann. “I’ll be running a workshop for about 40 people at the YMCA on July 23 and then parade through the streets in costume to give a performance in the shopping centre.” Mel, who loved running, mountain biking and other sports until a series strokes left her disabled two years ago, is determined that her disability will not ruin her ambition to represent her country at the Olympics and she is in daily training with Cheltenham Harriers. Her racing wheelchair is now being built but Ann said: “It’s really an on-going project and we’ll keep going to raise as much money as we can" Mel said: "I am determined to get as far as I can with my racing and it's great that so many people are with me, it's such a lovely feeling. I plan to make everyone proud." |
Cheltenham bellydance teacher Ann Blagden and 40 of her students and volunteers will be putting on a display in