Cash boost for Paralympic skier Anna Turney

Anna Turney. 52.010.001.leam.jg8

A PARALYMPIAN'S push for medals at next year's Winter Games has been boosted by a £10,000 donation.

Alpine racing skier Anna Turney, from Warwick, has to self fund her training and travel across Europe to compete in events in the lead up to the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.

But her efforts have now been boosted by the major sponsorship pledge from Sarah McLean, franchisee of McDonald's restaurant in Walsgrave, Coventry.

While Anna has already won two gold and two silver medals in six races the winter, the cash will help her compete in further events in Switzerland, through which she hopes to meet the selection criteria for entry into the Paralympics GB Team.

Anna said: “I can’t thank Sarah enough for her support and generosity - without sponsors like Sarah, I wouldn’t be able to continue achieving the success I’ve worked so hard to get.

“I’m proud to be representing Coventry and Warwickshire and it’s such a great feeling to bring success back to the region.”

Sarah McLean added: “We are all so proud of Anna’s success so far and know how hard she’s already training towards the next Paralympic Games in Russia in 2014.

“I feel privileged to be able to help her on her way to achieving more medals in the future.”

Inspirational Anna was left paralysed after breaking her back in a snowboarding accident in Japan in 2006 but the ultra competitive Chase Meadow resident battled back to world class level and joining the British Disabled Ski Team.

She has to find about £20,000 a season in order to train, travel and compete and as well as being sponsored by local companies has worked in motivational speaking and for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

Visit www.annaturney.com to find out more.

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