A WILLITON woman who relies on crutches to walk after suffering from what started as flu ten years ago has completed a disability triathlon to raise money for charity.

Siobhan Gallagher, curriculum manager at Foxes Academy, was left unable to walk and spent three years in a wheelchair after discovering she had transverse myelitis.

The 34-year-old said: “I spent three years in a wheelchair, but with a lot of physiotherapy and determination I managed to get out of the chair and have used crutches to walk ever since.

“For years I swam to keep myself fit and well, and about three months ago I managed to get back on a bike for the first time since the TM.”

Siobhan found out about the Cheshire Disability Triathlon and decided to set herself the challenge to take part.

She travelled to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on August 31 with her mum and partner, Beth.

“I thought this would be a great way to raise money for other disabled people while helping me make improvements with my own condition,” she said.

“The tri consisted of a 400m swim, 15km cycle and 5km run – I did the run part on my crutches and managed to complete the whole thing in one hour 50 minutes.

“It has given me so much confidence and made me feel really capable, like anything is possible with a bit of grit and determination.

“It was a great day and so emotional for me as I never saw myself being able to do anything like this again.

“I’m looking forward to taking part next year and improving on my time.”

If you would like to sponsor Siobhan, visit www.justgiving.com/SiobhanGallagher5/