GB Wheelchair Fencer selected to go to Rio 2016
Paralympic hopeful Gemma needs your help to reach Rio;
A PARALYMPIC hopeful denied all Lottery and Government funding is appealing for the public’s help to keep her on the road to Rio. Despite having represented her country at London 2012 and since claimed two world cup bronze medals, wheelchair fencer Gemma Collis has been refused UK Sport backing and needs to raise at least £27,000 to fund her 2016 Paralympic dream.
Gemma Collis
Gemma first represented Great Britain at the 2012 Malchow Wheelchair Fencing World Cup where she made her Paralympic debut at London 2012, competing in the women's Epee team, alongside Gabi Down and Justine Moore. The trio finished in 8th place, after a fierce opening rounds against Demaude of France and in the semi-final she faced London 2012 Paralympic Champion
Yu from Hong Kong.
In July 2008, Gemma was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. RSD is a progressive nervous system disease that affects the functioning of the nerves in her right leg.
Prior to the disease taking fold, the Aylesbury-born athlete was involved in the triple jump, figure skating and hockey, with sport a big part of her daily life.
"When I got my condition, I was devastated because I didn't think I would be able to do sport again," she added "When I found out that I could, it just filled the hole that had been left.