A NORTH-EAST teenager who lost both her legs after being struck down by meningitis has vowed to ride her horse again - with the help of shock absorbers.

Nicola Drew, 17, from Sunderland, was a keen showjumper before she had to have her legs amputated, but has not been able to ride since.

Now she hopes to make it back into the saddle with the help of some specially adapted artificial legs.

The rigid limbs she uses make getting on and off a horse too painful. Nicola said: "Not being able to ride is really upsetting, but I can do most of the things I could before, although not as well as I used to be able to. I love horse-riding. It's fun and it keeps you healthy. I really enjoy just being around horses. I've got a six-year-old black horse called Paris and I've tried riding her a couple of times since the amputation but it really hurts."

After being struck down by meningococcal septicaemia in January, Nicola had to spend 12 weeks in hospital, but her determination to lead an active life has inspired a total stranger to come to her aid.

Jacqui Storey, 38, is trying to raise the £12,000 needed to buy Nicola some artificial legs with shock absorbers inside which will allow her to ride again.

Mother-of-three Mrs Storey said: "I met Nicola when I went to look at a horse and I was just blown away by how determined she was to get on with her life and I decided to help.

"I was astounded by her and I just thought if people that go horse-riding knew about Nicola they would want to help."

Nicola said: "It's really nice that people are doing this for me. I have been riding for about eight years and I've been in lots of local show-jumping competitions."

Her mother Paula added: "Show-jumping means everything to Nicola, so this would be a massive boost."