BATTLING multiple sclerosis has not prevented a former Tavistock College pupil from competing at the highest levels of her sport.

Triathlete Trish Deykin, who lives in Milton Combe, in the last couple of weeks has competed in the British Sprint Distance Championships held at Nottingham.  After swimming 750 metres, cycling 20 kilometres then running 5k she received gold for her age group to become British champion.  

Last weekend in Alanya, Turkey, Trish took part in the European Championships for the sprint distance triathlon.  

Despite it being very hot and competition tough she achieved a personal best and won silver for her age group, missing gold by 13 seconds. She was third female overall — not bad for someone who has MS!

Trish said: 'I'm over the moon and would like to say a HUGE thank you to the kind residents of West Devon who have kindly donated money to help me get to Turkey.  

'The generosity has been phenomenal and without their help I would not have been able to get there.  I'd also like to say "thank you" to Healthy Pulses of Plympton, Bamboo Clothing and Mansbridge and Balment.

'My next big race is the Worlds being held in London in September and due to my performances in the above races I've automatically qualified for next years European and World Championships.'