When Farnham-based Paralympic legend Rachel Morris revealed she needed a new wheelchair to take part in marathons, the town’s sporting community was only too happy to help.

The three-time medallist, who scooped gold and bronze in handcycling at the Beijing and London games before later securing a further gold in rowing at Rio, is now setting her sights on the gruelling 26-mile event.

And London is the first event in her sights.

But hearing she needed a new chair to compete, fellow athletes from Atomic Boxing Club and Farnham Runners have come out fighting.

The pugilists – youngsters and adults – have set themselves a challenge of punching a training bag non-stop for 24 hours at their Brambleton Hall home while their track colleagues will be pounding out the miles on a treadmill next to them. They’ll also be taking to the streets to run around the local area.

As well as competing, Morris, 43, said the new chair would allow her to help coach, and train with, the Farnham Runners.

“It will enable me to assist at track sessions while developing accessibility for anyone with a disability, especially the young,” she added.

Shane Carrington, head coach of the Atomic Boxing Club, said he was delighted to help.

“All ages at our clubs are looking to get involved, from those aged five to senior members,” he said.

“We all want to help raise the funds needed to buy Rachel’s new chair.

“We’re all looking for any sponsors we can get, be it friends and families or local business.

“Please help by donating any spare funds to an amazing athlete who has put our area on the map with her achievements, not only with her medals but with her coaching and inspirational talks.”

Donate by going to the JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-morris-40