A DISABLED woman from Muscliff trained for a year to get out of her wheelchair and walk at the Bournemouth Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Gemma Mitchell, 25, who works as a graphic designer and volunteers at Victoria Education Centre and Sports College in Branksome, decided that she wanted to take part and take some steps during the special event on Sunday, June 14.

She said: "I just like doing something for charity. It was my fourth year taking part but it was the first year that I did some of it in my walker.

"I am really grateful for the support from my family and PAs. I have raised £195 so far and I know that there is more coming."

One of her carers, Tracy Payne, said: "Normally, for the past Race for Life events, we have pushed her around in her wheelchair, but this time she wanted to do some in her walker.

"Gemma has had a few things in the past year, but she was determined to do this. Next year she wants to go even further."

Gemma said: "I did about 400-metres in my walker. I am really thankful to Martin Cook for setting up training, who is a member of PE staff at Victoria Education Centre."

Martin holds wheelchair training sessions at the track at Ashdown Leisure Centre in Poole, which Gemma attends. She also helps at the Wessex Warriors Powerchair Football Club, which holds meetings on the first Saturday of every month at Victoria Education Centre, on Lindsay Road.

Tracy added: "We take part under the name of the Spoon Sisters, with Gemma, her mum, Alison Mitchell, myself and another carer, which for this year's Race for Life was Hannah Powis.

"Gemma is incredible."

Hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities are set to take part in a 5k Race for Life event in Poole Park tomorrow, which will take in parts of Whitecliff Recreational Ground during the event.

For more information on Gemma's fundraising, go to Justgiving.com/gemmamitchell3