A TRIATHLON world champion with multiple sclerosis is soon to tackle a 10K endurance swim, shortly after completing chemotherapy.

Trish Deykin, from Milton Combe, was diagnosed with MS in 2005, when she was winning triathlon medals left, right and centre.

‘The MS bombshell was awful. I was told to stop competing, so I did — doctor’s orders!’ said Trish.

But the competitor that Trish was, she knew she needed a challenge and competed in a local triathlon — and won!

‘I had got the bug again,’ Trish said.

She worked her way up and competed for Team GB in her age group team and became British and World Champion in 2013 as well as a silver medallist at the Europeans the same year.

Trish has had to take the last two years out due to receiving a chemotherapy type treatment for her MS.

Trish said: ‘A short time out of racing for a long term gain, although that didn’t stop me winning last year’s Bere Pen 10 and the Tavy 7. But because of this treatment, I’m not allowed in the gym or pool for at least two months due to the lowering of my immune system and avoid anyone with a cough or cold.’

The first time back training for Trish was August 1 — giving herself just one month’s training before the race.

‘With this in mind I had a great idea of entering the River Dart 10K endurance swim to be held on September 6,’ said Trish.

The Dart 10K is a two- day event open to swimmers of all levels.

The course runs from Totnes to Dittisham, with swimmers using local landmarks to keep track of the route and finishing on the Dittisham village green where local food suppliers, a children’s playground and other activities will be there to help the swimmers celebrate their achievement.

Trish hopes to complete the swim in just over two hours and by doing this she aims to raise £500 for both of her chosen charities: the MS Trust and Sportability.

Trish works closely with the MS Trust promoting the benefits of exercise with MS, even if it is just a couple of lengths of a swimming pool.

She is also an ambassador for Sportability, which organises a range of activities, such as sailing, horse riding and quad biking, for those with paralysis.

Even though Trish said she was nervous of the swim, she was looking forward to the challenge.

‘I’m starting to become apprehensive about the swim — it’s an awful long way with one month of training,’ said Trish

‘But I needed a challenge this year, especially during my recent chemotherapy as it really did knock me for six this time around.

‘Onwards and upwards is what I say so here’s to reaching my aim of £1,000.’