CHIPPENHAM’S cycling sensation who overcame meningitis to become a record breaker on two wheels will take centre stage in one of the gardens at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Lauren Booth, 14, is one of four people selected by Meningitis Now to feature as a wooden sculpture in the charity’s Believe and Achieve garden at the show, which will commemorate the charity’s 30th anniversary.

A three-dimensional scan was taken of Lauren at a specialist studio, which will be used by award-winning designer John Everiss to create the sculpture.

Lauren said: “It’s a real thrill to be selected as a model for this garden.

“I can’t wait to see the final sculpture and how it fits into the overall garden design.”

Lauren was diagnosed with meningitis when she was just six weeks old, leaving her with brain damage, hearing loss in one ear and cerebral palsy, which prompted doctors to question the quality of life she would have.

At the age of four she craved more independence and received a specially designed trike from Meningitis Now.

Following that, Lauren’s love of cycling grew as she got older and by the age of 11 her room was covered in posters of Sir Chris Hoy, Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins.

Last year the teenager emulated her cycling idols by winning three events at the Youth Omnium Challenge and setting a new British Paracycling record in the 200m trial event, narrowly missing out on the world record.

John Everiss, who will be creating the sculptures, said: “The sculptures will celebrate the courage, determination and positive outlook of these young people who have faced up to and overcome the consequences of this devastating disease.

“It was a pleasure to meet these inspirational young people and I look forward to working with them to develop our vision for this garden.”

Meningitis Now is organising a range of events and activities to mark its 30th anniversaryand help it achieve even greater awareness of the disease as well as funds for research. To find out more or to donate, visit www.meningitisnow.org