Powerlifter Megan needs your help in world championships bid

Gainsborough power lifter Megan Ainsworth needs your help to defend the world title she brought home from the Czech Republic last year.

The former Trent Valley Academy student, who has cerebral palsy, beat able-bodied contenders at the International Powerlifting Federation’s women’s bench press world championships last June.

Now Megan, 20, of Carlisle Street, Gainsborough, needs to raise around £800 to allow her to travel to the 2013 championships in Lithuania.

Megan’s mum Jane Ainsworth urged local businesses and anyone else who could help to get in touch.

“It is extremely important to her to be able to defend this title,” Jane told the Standard.

“Megan never thought in a million years she would ever become a world champion so it means everything to her.”

Last year’s competition, in Pilsen, saw tiny Megan lift a weight of 65kg – smashing the British record and her own personal best.

Weighing in at just 38.6 kilos, she defeated Russians Anastasia Kulikova and Ekaterina Alikina in the junior 43 kilogram competition.

And the victory marked a momentous year for Megan, as she went on to carry the Olympic torch ahead of London 2012.

In order to make 2013 just as sweet, Megan and her family need to riase the £800 needed for flights, hotels, competition fees and meals in Lithuania.

“We have had some help from the Rotarians who have supported Megan for a number of years and everyone is rallying round,” Jane said.

“One of her friends even emptied her piggy bank to find some money for Megan to be able to go. It’s so important to all of us.”

Megan currently has a new mentor, GB head coach Marc Giles who is also helping to find sponsors for Megan.

“Megan has been concentrating on able bodied competitions and it is amazing how she competes in these contests,” Jane said.

Jane said Megan was an ‘inspiration’ who has never let her disability get in the way.

“We have brought her up to believe she rules her cerebral palsy, it does not rule her,” she said.

“She eats, sleeps and breathes powerlifting. She is so determined.”

“Now we’re looking ahead to the Commonwealth games in Glasgow in 2014 and the Olympics in Rio in 2016. Megan is an inspiration and we are so proud of her.”