Mel Clarke

A childhood love of sporting activity seemed ended following disablement at 13 years old, but instead inspired Mel to strive for success in archery. Unable to walk without crutches, Mel became the first disabled archer in Europe to qualify for the able bodied World Championships in America. However she became ill at the competition and was given hours to live. She survived but was left blind in her shooting eye and completely paralysed from the waist. She was told that she would never shoot again. Undismayed, Mel developed a new way of shooting and has since won National, European and World titles, as well as a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. When not busy training, as a local and National sports ambassador, Mel frequently visits schools and other organisations to share with others her truly inspirational story of triumph against all odds.