Dani Perks, a member of Cornwall Athletic Club, Perranporth Surf Life Saving Club and Truro City Swimming Club has been selected for the Great Britain Senior Surf Life Saving Squad to compete in a series of pool and beach events in the European Championships in Tenerife starting on 27 April.  She is studying ‘A’ levels at Truro College and should be commended on her achievements, as she is still a junior and only started competing in the sport last year.

Dani proved herself as an athlete in the Under15 Girls age group and was ranked 2^nd in the UK rankings for High Jump, 6^th for Pentathlon and whilst at Penair School, Truro finished 1^st in the Intermediate Girls race at the English Schools Athletic Association’s Cross Country Cup.  Unfortunately, she was then hit with ill health, a meningitis scare and was hospitalised, followed by Post Viral Fatigue and then Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E.).  She was advised to give up all sports!  However after 18 months complete rest, she gradually fought her way back through pure grit and determination.  Slowly and surely, with the support of all of her club coaches, she returned to fitness.

In September 2006 Dani was selected to compete in the Commonwealth Life Saving Competition against sixteen other countries.  She was selected as England team captain and not only managed to gain many personal bests but she won an individual silver medal and team gold and bronze in the relays. 

She continues to train hard for her swimming and surf life saving and is now putting more emphasis on her sprint training  for the beach events, with a view to returning to track competition possibly later this year.  Dani has shown us all that through hard work, determination and self drive you can get to the top.

However like most sports these days competing at such high levels necessitates substantial financial outlay.  If anyone would like to sponsor Dani for this event or any future competitions, please contact either Karen Perks on 01872 571842 or Bob Ingle on 01637 830657.