CORSHAM'S Paralympic superstar Stephanie Millward completed the MS Walk last weekend just days after winning two golds at the 2016 Rio Games.

The 35-year-old, who claimed two golds in the S8 100m backstroke and 34-point 4x100m medley relay, completed the 6km route along the River Thames in her wheelchair with her husband Adrian.

The MS sufferer won five Paralympic medals at the games in Rio this year and contributed to the hundreds of thousands of pounds that were raised from the event on Sunday.

"When I first signed up, I thought there was no way I could do a six, 10 or 20 kilometre walk. But then I thought yes – I can do anything if I just believe in myself," she said.

"It was wonderful meeting so many amazing people eager to show their support for the MS community. The day was full of hope and inspiration, and it was the perfect opportunity to fundraise to help stop MS.

"I have been dreaming about winning a gold medal since I was four year old, but just as I set my sights on being a competitive swimmer."

Mrs Millward had been in the frame for a place as an able-bodied swimmer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics before her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

When she was diagnosed at the age of 17, she was told she would slowly lose control of her body and she would be in a wheelchair within five years.

However thanks to her determination and the support of her friends and family, she has gone onto achieve more than she ever imagined.

"Multiple sclerosis is really unpredictable, often painful and exhausting, and can make it hard for us do the things we enjoy," said Mrs Millward, who also competed at the London and Beijing Games.

"I was diagnosed with MS 18 years ago. I was swimming at an event in China, and finished eighth in a race that I should have won.

"When I got back I felt so ill I had to have a couple of days off school. I was weak, had no energy and my eyesight was not right.

"My eye was flickering and my vision was jumping up and down. I kept bumping into people in the pool.

"But I believe that I am successful because I believed in myself during the training and because I started treatment early.

"Right at the beginning when my MS said ‘No’, I kept telling myself to follow my Olympic and Paralympic dreams."

More than 100,000 people in the UK live with the condition. For more information visit www.mssociety.org.uk