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.

“It would mean everything to me to get to Rio,” the 22-year-old said.

“To get to Rio, win a medal and see the Union flag flying would be my ultimate dream come true.”

Gemma was a county champion triple jumper and hoping to represent Team GB in the London Olympics until she was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in 2010.

The progressive condition causes extreme pain and means Gemma must use a wheelchair or crutches.

Undeterred, she took up wheelchair basketball and, following an invitation from Professor Laszlo Jakab, the Durham-based GB Wheelchair Fencing head coach, shortly after she started at Law degree at Durham University in 2011, soon switched to wheelchair fencing.

She was selected for the British team just three months later and in 2012 finished as the top-ranked Brit in her preferred epee technique at a world cup and eighth in the team competition at the Paralympics.

“London was absolutely incredible,” Gemma said.

“I could barely believe I was there, having only just taken up the sport.

“My dream had always been to compete at a Games, from aged eight onwards. I thought that dream was gone when I got my disability.”

However, after the high of 2012, UK Sport cut funding for wheelchair fencing and Gemma suffered an injury-ravaged 2013, missing almost a whole year with back and stomach problems.

She resumed fencing that November, competing in a national championship after just three weeks’ training.

Following a ninth place finish at a January 2014 world cup in Germany, she won bronze medals at others in Italy and Hungary and is now well on course for a place at Rio 2016.

But she must continue to pick up points at qualifying events, each of which costs up to £2,500 to attend.

Prof Jakab is providing free coaching and friends at their club, Laszlo’s Fencing, are fund raising, but Gemma is now looking for sponsorship, donations and other support.

“The people that have supported me, I can’t thank enough,” she said.

“They’re investing hard work, energy and enthusiasm in my dream and that spurs me on even further.

“I’d love to have a big sponsor but every penny counts and every donation adds up.”

Prof Jakab said: “It’s vital for Gemma to get funding. She’s fourth in the qualification rankings and in a very, very good position.

“In my opinion, everything is possible. If she gets the support, she should be able to win any kind of medal at Rio.”

To support Gemma, visit gofundme.gemmasroadtorio