The chair enables her to train correctly – as her competitors have been able to for a very long time.

Mills only took up fencing in 2009 and within 10 months won three medals at the British Disabled Fencing Championships, including gold in the sabre division.

Sharon Blackman from the Chichester club said: "Particular thanks go to all the club's children who with amazing efforts in fundraising and many hours of fencing at the fencathon managed to raise nearly £600 ($950).

"Also, huge thanks go to Peter Beadle, who at only 16, managed to fence for nearly all the 11 hours the fenceathon lasted for.

"Thanks also to all the non-fencing public who kindly gave towards the chair.

"I'm sure they will join with all of us at the club in wishing Viv every success in 2012."