Whitehills badminton ace Diane Gillan hopes to be fit enough to go for gold at the 2021 Special Olympics after her brush with death last year.
The 30-year-old is still recovering from the after-effects of sepsis, which almost killed her in December 2018.
The News reported how the multiple East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire Disability Sports Award winner suffered a reaction to an anti-inflammatory drug that led to her contracting the blood infection.
She pulled through after weeks of treatment and now Diane, who has autism, has received a sporting boost after being selected for the Special Olympics.
Diane will represent the West of Scotland at the Games in Liverpool, for what will be her sixth Special Olympics.
And she said: “I’m just really pleased to be playing again.
“I had sepsis last year and nearly died, so I’m over the moon to be picked for the Special Olympics again.
“I’ve been trying to get back to full fitness since the sepsis, but it’s been difficult.
“There’s been problems with my blood and my folic acid levels.
“It’s taken a lot out of my body and I am fighting the tiredness every day.
“But I’ve got plenty of time to get better and it will give me something to work towards and focus on.”
Diane will compete in the ladies singles, ladies doubles and mixed doubles events in Liverpool and is desperate to add to her collection of medals.
She said: “I’ve always come away with at least a gold before, so I’m going for another one hopefully.
“This time it would be pretty special to win gold after the last year.
“I’ve competed in a few competitions and after having sepsis I won three golds at the Scottish Championships and won gold in the mixed doubles at the Four Nations, so hopefully I’m feeling good at the Special Olympics.”
