ONE of Britain's most successful Paralympic swimmers delivered an inspiring speech during a charity dinner dance held by Forest Sensory Services.

Lord Chris Holmes MBE of Richmond attended the charity's second event at the Speech House Hotel which Baroness Jan Royall of Blaisdon hosted.

Guests heard how he woke one morning at the age of 14 to find that he had totally lost his sight. Despite enormous obstacles, he overcame them to clock up a nine gold, five silver and one bronze medal. He has since become an ambassador for sport for the disabled and was involved in the organisation of the 2012 Paralympic games.

Among the guests were Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council Graham Morgan and his wife, Mayor of Coleford Paul Kay, Mayor of Cinderford Max Coburn, local councillors and businessmen, and supporters of the charity.

A auction featuring a wide range of items including tea at the House of Lords, signed items from Jack Russell, Lionel Richie and Andrea Bocelli – to name but a few – helped raise more than £1,700.

In total £3,000 was raised.