AN amputee has been clocking up the miles to inspire others since receiving a special running blade.

Helen Chapman, 46, of Saville Street in Walton, lost the lower part of her right leg in 1998 after being seriously injured in a car crash.

Since then she has worked hard to stay sporty and has competed in marathons and the Amputee Games, despite struggling with her prosthetics which were not designed for high impact activities.

But earlier this year Helen raised enough cash for a running blade with funding help from charity Arctic ONE.

Since then she has gone from strength to strength, completing the London Marathon in April, as well as taking part in a running event organised by disabled sports group Limbpower.

She also secured classification for Paralympic athletics and acted as a mentor at the Amputee Games.

Helen is now in training for another event to raise funds and awareness for Arctic ONE and support charity Pace.

She said: “Having finally been able to run the marathon I’m going to stick to half marathons and am currently in training for a Duathlon which is being organised by Arctic ONE.

“I want to show my appreciation to them and to Pace for the support they have given me. “Hopefully we can encourage more people with disabilities to get into sporting activities.”