Luisa Pearce went into hospital for minor day surgery on her wrist – but left five weeks later after having been given the devastating news she would never walk again.

But two years on and the inspirational mum, from Greenhill in Staplehurst, is starting to walk with the use of crutches – and is now about to embark on a Guinness World Record attempt for the fastest crossing of 100km of the Sahara Desert in a wheelchair.

Meanwhile, staff from the gym that have helped in her recovery have been shortlisted for a national accolade.

The David Lloyd gym, in Kings Hill, is up for the Members’ Achievement Award at the National Fitness Awards, set to be announced on December 2, after being nominated by the 47-year-old.

Mrs Pearce suffered serious complications following surgery at Maidstone’s The Somerfield Hospital in September 2014, and was left paralysed from the knee down in one leg, and without the use of her left hand.

She joined the gym in May last year, and after months of intensive exercise and physiotherapy has defied doctors’ expectations by getting back on her feet.

The former teacher said: “I’ve been incredibly lucky meeting such dedicated and committed people that have given me the support and guidance to achieve what I had been told was not going to be possible.

“I had a crazy dream to cross the Sahara to show that disability is not inability as long as you have people willing to help – those people are the ones I have met through the David Lloyd and now they have made that a reality.”

In total 18 staff and gym members have joined Mrs Pearce in taking on the 100km Sahara Desert Challenge to raise £50,000 for her new charity, Freedom for Wheels, which helps those with mobility issues live independent lives. Donations currently stand at £20,000.

Her record-breaking bid began on Friday, and is expected to last 10 days.

Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant attended the send-off on Thursday. She said: “I am truly in awe of Luisa’s resilience and positivity.

"There is more to this challenge than raising funds for a good cause; it is about determination and perseverance. I am so proud of Luisa and I wish her and her team the best of luck in their challenge.”

Lauren Mortimer, general manager at the Kings Hill Avenue gym, said: “We’re privileged to have the opportunity to support such an inspirational member as Luisa. Her sheer determination and hard work has meant her progress has defied all expectations.”

To donate click here