Anyone who enters the competitive world of fashion knows they have a tough ride ahead.

Kate Farley also knew that having cerebral palsy would bring its own set of challenges.

Yet having a determination that outshines many able-bodied people earned her the role of stylist for the most decorated and successful GB Paralympian ever. Twenty-three-year-old Kate, who lives in Ferndown, was born with the condition that causes a deficiency in motor skills, affecting all four limbs as well as her speech.

Mentally, however, she is as sharp as a pin.

“Many people think I’m mentally impaired,” she says.

“And I have been incorrectly called deaf. Because of my condition and involuntary spasms, people do stare at me. You get used to it though.

“You just have to rise above it and take it on the chin.”

Kate has always had an affinity with fashion, finding she had a brilliant knack for colour, pattern, texture and form even at a young age. She studied fashion and textiles at Ferndown sixth form then polished her skills further on a fashion and photography course at Southampton Solent.

“I got a diploma in fashion and personal styling at the London College of Style,” she explained.

“I’d been to Victoria School for 13 years and going from a special school into mainstream was a big step, but everyone accepted me.”

Now a fashion writer and stylist, Kate’s big break came when she was introduced to Dame Sarah Storey OBE. With 11 gold medals, the British road and track racing cyclist and former swimmer became the most-decorated female British Paralympian of all time last year. Sarah was born without a functioning left hand.

Being catapulted into the spotlight meant that many high-profile events beckoned for Sarah, and Kate was thrilled to make her look the part in occasions such as the Woman of the Year Awards (“I gave her a tailored look with a hint of sparkle”) and the Pride of Britain awards (“a stunning floor length dress by Amanda Wakely – a designer used by Kate Middleton”).

The young stylist believes it’s vital to earn a client’s trust as well as to be completely on point with what suits people’s body shape and colour as well as current trends and what celebrities are wearing.

“As far as I’m aware, no-one in the fashion industry is disabled,” she says. “I do have to work four times harder, but it’s all worth it.”

With the help of a walker, a specially-adapted computer, and unswerving support from mum Sally, Kate is proof that plenty of determination can take you far in your field.

She’s beautiful, too. Ferndown crowned her their carnival queen in 2007 and she went on to become runner-up in the national Disneyland Paris pageant – gaining the title UK Carnival Queen Consort.

Younger children at Victoria School benefit from mentoring sessions with Kate who is also a youth care worker.

If all this wasn’t enough, she is hoping to style for fashion magazines and pursue fashion writing further.

“There are not enough disabled people in the workplace,” she says.

“I still don’t think we’re 100 per cent accepted in society, .

“There’s a long way to go before people start to accept disabilities. Hopefully one day, though...”

katiefashion.co.uk