AN Olympian fundraising event held at Tavistock College on Saturday evening was definitely a winner.

The event was organised by James Allenby, former GP and trustee of the Make A Difference charity, which supports people in West Devon who have, or have suffered in the past, with mental health issues.

Sandra Edney of Make a Difference said: 'Everyone who attended could not help but feel inspired as past, present and hopefully future Olympian athletes from West Devon shared their stories of determination, their battles with fitness, injuries, funding and motivation, overcoming them with willpower, hard work and the belief that it's possible to do so.'

At the event was Devon county councillor for Tavistock Debo Sellis, who presented the charity with a cheque for £2,000 from her locality budget.

Cllr Sellis said: 'It was a really good evening, the perserverence of the athletes was astonishing, very inspiring.

'I fully support the Make a Difference charity — mental illness is something that can affect any of us, at any time.'

Olympians attending the event were Robin Brew, Olympic and Commonwealth medallist swimmer and triathlete; Michaela Breeze MBE, Olympic weightlifter; Lucy Weigersma, international eventing rider; Ellen Keane , Paralympic swimmer; Gorgs Geikie. international pistol shooter and Kate Allenby MBE, Olympic medallist and Commonwealth fencing medallist.