An athlete can only compete once in the World Special Olympics, which are held every four years.

In June this year 29-year-old Philippa from Norley sets off to North Carolina in the USA in a bid to win gold in the rhythmic gymnastics as part of Britain's 174 strong squad.

Philippa has represented Cheshire and the North West at every national and European Special Olympic Games since the first Euro Games in 1985. Not surprisingly she has accumulated a host of medals, including 10 golds. But gold this summer is sure to prove her greatest achievement to date as she bids for honours at the highest level of competition in floor exercises using the ball, hoop, ribbon and rope.

Her father, James, said: "She will be 30 on the last day of the games in July. I suppose it is quite old for a gymnast but she plans to go on competing for the foreseeable future."

Philippa, who is mentally handicapped and is a former pupil at Hartford Hill Special School, switched to rhythmic gymastics from artistic gymnastics in 1990 and will be the sole UK competitor in the event this summer.

She will be financed in her bid for glory by a combination of charity fundraising and sponsorship and is coached in St Helens by Margaret White.

Her father added: "The World Games is by far the most expensive competition to get to but I am sure she will make it."

The trip is likely to cost £1,000 but with fundraising going well and the continued support of Brunner Mond Philippa is sure to make the trip.

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