BRITISH powerlifting athlete Tammi Lummes is determined to compete in the European Finals in just ten days’ time, despite being involved in a crash on Marlborough High Street.

Ms Lummes, 43, was parked outside Waitrose at 10.30am on Tuesday when she was about to pull out of her parking space.

An oncoming lorry collided with her car, forcing it into a grey Mercedes, which was in turn pushed into a car parked in front of it.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene as Ms Lummes suffered cuts after hitting her head on the driver’s side window.

She was taken to Great Western Hospital in Swindon and yesterday (Wednesday) thanked all the people who looked after her.

Ms Lummes, of Rabley Wood View, said: “Everyone was amazing, thank you to all who helped me on the High Street. Even the lady who held my hand and stayed with me. I know I am very lucky to escape with cuts and bruises. I am feeling very sore right now.

“It really showed the community spirit of this town. It must have been traumatising to watch the crash but everyone came forward and helped out.

“One person was even holding my hand through the side window to comfort me and the emergency services were brilliant.”

The High Street is due to become a 20mph zone after residents recently voted in favour of lowering the speed limit on central roads in the town.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “Police were called to Marlborough High Street, outside Waitrose, at 10.30am yesterday (15 May 2018), to a report of a collision between a lorry and a car.

“Paramedics also attended and the female driver of the car, a Mercedes, was taken to Great Western Hospital as a precaution.

“The scene was clear by 11.30am.”

Powerlifter Ms Lummes is currently training for the Global Powerlifting Committee European Championships and says the crash will not put her off fundraising for her place and competing.

The mother-of-three discovered the sport just five years ago and has since retrained to become a personal trainer and professional powerlifter.

She said: “It has been a bit of a setback to be involved in a crash just ten days before I fly. But I am determined not to let it stop me.

“The next 48 hours will be important to how I feel but I really want to go and represent my country. I am hopeful that I can win my category and this has made me even more determined.”

To sponsor Ms Lummes’ trip to the championships visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tammi-lummes