DEFYING disability is a way of life for one teenager, whose sporting successes at national level have caught the attention of Paralympian and Strictly Come Dancing star Jonnie Peacock.

Daisy Gregory from Bude received the surprise of a lifetime on August 1 when the double Paralympic champion revealed she had been chosen as part of his team for the Superhero Tri, powered by npower — the only sports series dedicated to the UK’s 13.3-million people with disabilities and long-term injuries, which takes place this Saturday.

The 14-year-old was born with Down’s Syndrome and suffers from impaired vision and mobility problems, which have resulted in a recent succession of knee operations, although she is currently waiting for new ones.

Her mum Lynn explains: “She also has ataxic instability, which is C1 and C2 which means her neck is out of line, unstable and deformed.

“We’ve got to be very careful. She rides nationally for the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) even though the risks are there! We gave her the choice and she took it!”

She draws on incalculable bravery, then, to rank tenth nationally in para-horseriding —which she practices at the Calvert Trust on Exmoor and the Lakefield Equestrian Centre in Camelford.

Lynn said: “It’s overwhelming to see Daisy compete — it proves how much she can achieve and that it’s about ability rather than disability. I’m so proud of her and she’s doing really well, particularly in her dressage discipline.

“She wants to go to the Paralympics, that’s her plan. People with learning disabilities can’t compete at the Paralympics yet, so hopefully that is something that can happen to Daisy and people like her down the line.

“Her problems and knee operations are ongoing, so seeing Jonnie has given her the inspiration to keep going.”

Lynn continued: “This sort of thing gives her the incentive. She thinks to herself that if Jonnie can do it, I can do it.”

This wasn’t the first time Daisy had met Jonnie, having been introduced to him at npower Winter Wonderwheels — the UK’s first festive disability sports event.

She was treated to an unexpected training day at Loughborough University, where three budding stars were able to meet their hero and pick up tips ahead of the fun sporting challenge at Dorney Lake this coming Saturday.

Daisy discovered she was one of the lucky winners when the Paralympics GB star magically appeared to congratulate them, before giving a team talk as they prepared for the swim, cycle and run/push stages of the triathlon with Daisy scheduled to do the swim.

The equestrian ace was so enraptured by the suspense of seeing Jonnie that she could only conclude Santa was coming round the corner to greet her.

Daisy said: “I really enjoyed meeting Jonnie. He’s really kind and funny. I enjoy swimming as well as horse-riding. I love sport and being outside.

“I’m looking forward to the triathlon in August and with Jonnie on our team I think we’ll do really well.”

Jonnie will lead Team npower as a celebrity team captain, alongside Last Leg host and comedian Adam Hills and six-time Paralympic champion David Weir, amongst a squad of 30 celebrity captains.

Jonnie said: “The kids we’ve chosen are positive people who want to push themselves and have a great outlook on life.

“I have loved meeting them today and hearing about their Super Powers. They are absolute stars with incredible stories and will make a brilliant team.

“They might have had a tough experience of life and need a bit of a boost, but their personalities shine through and an event like this can make a big difference.

“Superhero Tri is brilliant — there’s such a good vibe. It’s completely inclusive of all individuals and everyone can just get involved and have fun. There are no rules and however you need to get around the course that’s absolutely fine.

“I met Daisy last year and her puppy Henry and when I saw her application I knew I wanted Daisy on my team. She’s got great spirit, gets involved and stuck in and that’s what I want from my team and for them to enjoy themselves!

“We’re training later today and they didn’t know anything about it as we surprised them. We’ve got a training day in the pool and on the track ahead of August 18.”

Over 1,700 participants took part in the 2017 Superhero Tri, with more than 2,000 already having signed up for this year’s event. Superhero Series gives everyone with disabilities, from total beginners through to elite athletes, the chance to find their inner super power and achieve an inspirational goal. Participants can be as competitive as they like but the priority is on having fun.

Away from swimming and para-horseriding, Daisy continues to do so much as Lynn explains.

“Daisy also does surf life saving at Bude Surf Life Saving Club. She’s on the graduate lifeguard programme and she’s also about to start her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“She’s also part of the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Support Group. There’s a group who have done some dance qualifications and last year they danced at the National Learning Disability conference in Hull and this year Public Health England invited them to dance at two conferences in Birmingham and London.

“She’s been home educated for the last eight years but has now started three days a week at Highgate Hill House School in Whitstone. She does all of the subjects and incorporates her horse-riding so she’s a busy lady.”