Last updated 11:33, Friday, 25 April 2008

If Britain’s elite athletes show the determination of Bethan Lishman at this summer’s Olympics they should return home with a very healthy medal haul.

Twenty-four-year-old Bethan from High Brigham is battling to become the world’s number one deaf hammer thrower.

Beth has been battling for most of her life. She has overcome several operations and she is now desperate to compete for her country in Turkey this September.

But there is another obstacle to overcome before her dream can be realised – raising £5,000 for the trip.

Tomorrow Bethan will be packing bags at a Carlisle supermarket to raise some money. We wish her well, and note again the lack of funding for some athletes as billions are poured into the two-week spectacle of the 2012 London Olympics.