A woman who couldn't swim properly before Christmas is to take part in the Blenheim Palace Sprint Triathlon in June to raise funds for the MS Society.

Lisa Mills, 33, says her inspiration when the training gets tough is the bravery of her mum, Barbara Mills, of Dobwalls, who has been in Derriford Hospital since December.

The 73-year-old has multiple sclerosis and has suffered repeat chest infections, which are the result of her illness weakening her throat muscles and ability to swallow properly.

'We are hoping mum will be able to come home soon and she has done amazingly well to fight the MS,' said Lisa. 'She is my strength.'

Lisa has previously run London and Paris marathons for the MS Society but says she now wants to take on a bigger challenge this year, hence what she refers to as 'The Big Three'.

As well as the triathlon, Lisa will be taking part in London RIDE, which is a 100-mile cycle race in August and the Berlin Marathon in September.

'I am hoping to raise a minimum of £1,500 to help the MS Society with the vital research they conduct into the causes and treatment of the illness and, in particular, their current focus on progressive MS, which is the form that my mum has,' she said.

Lisa, who grew up in Dobwalls and attended Liskeard School and Community College, normally lives and works in London as a researcher for a media agency, but she has taken a break and moved home to be with her family and help support her father while her mum is still in hospital.

Lisa says she couldn't swim very well before Christmas and, with no technique, she would tire easily and be unable to breathe properly in the water.

'I've been swimming most mornings at Lux Park in Liskeard and have been getting some great help and support from local swimmers at the pool which has improved me immensely,' she said.

Lisa is also enjoying a lot of cycling around the local area, with all the hills helping to make her training a challenge.

Lisa can also be contacted via email at [email protected]">[email protected]