A DOG agility trainer who has battled chronic pain and fatigue for 16 years has won a gold medal in a world cup event.
Frances Elliott won a gold medal for the UK in the jumping class of the Para Agility World Cup (PAWC), held recently in Italy for disabled athletes.
The event is run alongside the International Mix and Breed Championship Agility (IMCA) for able-bodied athletes.
Frances Elliott, who suffers fibromyalgia and Meniere’s disease, which cause chronic pain and fatigue, as well as nausea and vertigo, was forced to give up her work as a teacher and the sport of dog agility eight years ago, when she became too unwell.
After moving from Kent to Sowerby, near Thirsk, she received a diagnosis of her condition and began to manage her symptoms, allowing her to start a dog agility club.
She was chosen to be part of the UK para agility team for the world cup after she got her three-year-old collie shih-tzu cross, Sky, to the top level in the sport.
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