Gloucestershire Paralympian raises money for National Star at charity night

Paralympian Mel Nicholls has helped raise £1,750 for National Star at a charity night in which she spoke about how she’d challenged herself to succeed after having three strokes.

The Gloucestershire sportswoman, who holds a world record for wheelchair racing and represented Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics, told guests at Cheltenham’s Lumiere restaurant about the importance of self-belief and determination. Mel embraced sport again after the strokes left her with paralysis down one side of her body. She’s now training for Rio.

It was a brilliant evening which saw Lumiere serve a delicious seven-course tasting menu, created by chef Jon Howe. Our guests enjoyed fresh pollack with truffles, Badminton Park venison, Jerusalem artichoke soup, and a damson soufflé.

Co-owner Helen Howe said how pleased she was that Lumiere were involved: ‘Jon made the most amazing beetroot dish and Mel really liked – apparently it’s amazing food for endurance athletes so that was brilliant. Mel was inspirational and the whole evening was wonderful.’

The money raised will help us continue to support people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Kate Green, Director of Fundraising, said: ‘The night at Lumiere was a great success. Our thanks go to Lumiere, who were amazing, and also to sponsors Creed Foodservice, Christopher Piper Wines, Flying Fish Seafood, and local distillery Brennan and Brown. As expected, Mel was fabulous and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.’