A DISABLED teenager from Poole has launched a desperate appeal for an all-terrain, off road powerchair to enable her to study Forensic Investigation at Bournemouth University in September.

Kira Collins, 18, is worried a life-long dream could be shattered unless she can raise the £16,000 she needs for vital wheelchair.

Her mum, Louise said: "Kira has wanted to go to Bournemouth Uni since she was nine years old. She was over the moon when they offered her a place. Then reality hit. People don’t leave dead bodies and other evidence from crimes on nice flat pavements, but in the thick of a wood, or middle of a heathland, all places her current wheelchair cannot go."

Kira and Louise, set up a gofundme page and Facebook fundraisers, and have raised £4,000 but need a further £12,000 for the all-terrain, off road powerchair.

"We have raised nearly £4,000 from our dear friends, a quarter of what we need," said Louise. "We have approached some charities, but most are not in a position to help and given the current circumstances, that is no surprise. Kira started using a powerchair in Year 10 and refused to become housebound during her GCSEs! She has not let her poor health hold her back."

The former Purbeck School pupil developed a chronic pain condition in Year 10, which left her wheelchair bound.

Kira said: "This chair would allow me to take strong to a new level. I will not let my disability stop me from becoming the person I want to be."

The Purbeck School headteacher Adam Darley said: "The school is very proud of Kira and her achievements and we know that the only limits that she faces are those that are placed on her by others."

To find out more and support Kira's fundraising, visit gf.me/u/x5ny8n