BURY disabled athlete Selenia Guadagno is all set to compete in the water ski-ing world championships - just days after a thief placed her dreams in jeopardy.

Selenia was left devastated after thieves stole more than £200 in cash from the members' lounge at Whitworth Water Ski and Recreation Centre in Rochdale where she trains. The money had been raised to help pay for her European trip.

However, once people heard about the heartless theft, donations came flooding in, and she is now back on course to compete for the world title in September.

"Everyone has been absolutely brilliant," said the 23-year-old.

"Most of the money has now been replenished and I can now look forward to going to Belgium again."

Selenia, of Warth Road, had to have both her legs amputated when an overdose of painkillers and anti-depressants left her with serious tissue damage. She had been depressed by the death of her father, Ge Ge, but was encouraged to walk again with the help of her mum, Barbara, and sister, Daniella.

Her plunge into the sport came two years ago when Selenia read an article about disabled water-skiing and decided to try the sport for herself. She is now rated a top prospect for the gold medal at the World Championships.

Away from the water, she has also caught the eyes of fashion gurus and has even undertaken modelling assignments.

Selenia said: "I don't really have time in the season to do much modelling but I'm constantly in touch with my agent and will be doing stuff in the winter.

"I even had an e-mail from a Swedish television station the other day who wanted me to appear on a show over there after they had read my story about being a double amputee and taking up water skiing. It's something I may consider when I'm not in training."

The world championships are being held in Schoten over four days, beginning on September 8.