Helene Dyson (nee Raynsford) won GB's 1st women's rowing Paralympic GOLD, & BBC South Sportswoman of Year twice.

At Uni aged 21 an injury left her in a wheelchair. So she took up wheelchair basketball & was part of 2003-2006 GB squad winning 2 Paralympic Cup silvers.

In 2005 Helene tried rowing. She was a natural & BR Champion! She competed in 2006 World Rowing Champs in arms only women's single sculls (1x). In 2008 rowing was introduced to the Paralympic Games in Beijing. Helene won GOLD in ASW1x with 12 seconds over the silver medallist. Helene fought back from cardiac problems to qualify to race at World Champs 2010 in NZ but back injury meant no final for her. Helene was a Games-Maker at London 2012.

In 2013 Helene was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has kicked cancer but has suffered more ill health since then with surgery in 2017 on her spine. She may not regain all lost function but should stop deteriorating.

Helene is desperate to stay involved in sport - she volunteers & sits on various boards alongside IPC, IOC & other IF Presidents. This chair will allow her to get out & about in UK supporting our sport too.

A Segway wheelchair will give Helene independence again - it folds down small enough to fit in the boot of a family car, it can be used indoors, in shops & public loos, it has off-road wheels so she can take her DogAID assistance dog, Amber, on long muddy walks.

They're expensive. But what price independence?

As an elite athlete Helene deserves a chair with a profile emphasising ability not disability. It's her dream chair. More than that, she needs it.

I promised her (rashly) we'd get her a chair by Henley Royal Regatta (1 July 2017). The appeal launched on Good Friday in April.

Together WE HAVE DONE IT! Thank you so much everyone who donated, shared, & supported here, by auction & offline. This is a huge boost to Helene & she is anxious to pay it forwards. Look out for Helene, Amber & their new wheels.