Durham graduate to compete in Rio Paralympics

Gemma Collis managed to raise her £27,000 target in order to represent Team GB at wheelchair fencing after Sport UK Funding was cut.

During her time at school, the Cuth’s graduate competed at national level in figure skating, played hockey and athletics for her county and was a triple jump champion.

However, Gemma was diagnosed with a devastating condition that affected the nerves in her leg, causing her to rely on crutches or a wheelchair.

But when Gemma started her law degree at Durham University she tried wheelchair fencing and was scouted by the Team GB head coach, Laszlo Jakab. She is now ranked one of the best in the world.

Gemma told The Chronicle: “After first trying wheelchair fencing, three months later I represented Great Britain at my first international competition, the 2012 Malchow Wheelchair Fencing World Cup, and, just ten months after taking up the sport, competed at the London 2012 Paralympics.”