READERS of The Northern Echo are encouraged to help make the Christmas of a disabled Canadian woman, who is using a trip to Darlington as inspiration in her rehabilitation.

Michele Grant was transfixed by a poster for the Paralympics at Darlington railway station in July.

It depicted a female athlete in a wheelchair and the 43-year-old felt so drawn to it that she spent several minutes studying it in great detail.

When she returned to where she was staying, she told her family about the experience.

In October, she suffered severe spinal injuries after a fall while mountain biking.

The memory of the poster has been a source of comfort and strength as she set about a recovery effort she hopes will one day result in her walking again.

Her mother, Carol Grant, who likes in Yukon territory, Canada, said: “The image that she saw that day at the Darlington station has been a constant source of inspiration in her rehabilitation and recovery.

“Her father and I want to find this poster and give it to Michele as a Christmas gift. This is a plea for your assistance.

“We would be so grateful for any help to make our wish come true for Christmas. We believe in miracles.”

The poster was at the entrance to the station, about 15 feet by 10 feet, in predominantly sepia shades and depicted a female athlete in a wheelchair.

It is presumed that it may have been used to promote the 2012 Paralympic games.

Mrs Grant added: “We are so hoping someone will remember it, and help locate either the original or a source of a copy.”

Anyone who can help is asked to email andy.walker@nne.co.uk